I'd like to create sheet metal enclosures for a number of electronics projects. These enclosures will be small: less than 12in (typically < 6in). I'll mostly use aluminum, though I would be interested in being able to bend steel for a few other miscellaneous mechanical parts I've got in mind. In terms of gauge, 16 gauge for aluminum is probably sufficient, though I'd really prefer to use 14 gauge if I can manage it. It needs to be a finger brake. Additionally, I'll be using this in a small apartment room, so it can't be too large.
It seems like the best deal on high quality brakes is to search places like ebay and craigslist for old Barth or Tennsmith brakes. However, these all seem to be quite large, so that's not an option for me at the moment.
I'm also looking to get a shear, with similar thickness/material requirements.
What do people recommend? I'd like to spend less than $1k and preferably less than $500.
One thing that caught my attention is the 12" 3-in-1 units rebranded by a lot of companies (e.g., this Eastwood unit). This meets most of my requirements, though I wish it would work with slightly thicker gauges. One thing that concerns me about it is different companies quote different max material thicknesses for it, though I would expect the units are all manufactured by the same company. The Eastwood one claims to be able to go to 16 gauge aluminum, though I haven't seen that for other units. Moreover, I think Eastwood used to spec the same unit at 18 gauge, so I'm a little worried Eastwood is overspec'ing this. In this youtube video (using a Kaka unit) someone performs a brief test on 14 gauge aluminum and it seems to do ok, though they only tried it once so I don't know.
Another question I have is about the practical differences between using a press brake design like in the 3-in-1 above vs a box-and-pan brake (e.g., this). I don't need to go beyond 90deg. Any other advantages/disadvantages of one over the other?
FYI I don't have a lot of experience or skill in mechanical work and only have a few other basic tools, such as a cordless drill and small machinist vise. But, I'd like to get better and for that reason (as well as cost) am not really interested in contracting out the work.
It seems like the best deal on high quality brakes is to search places like ebay and craigslist for old Barth or Tennsmith brakes. However, these all seem to be quite large, so that's not an option for me at the moment.
I'm also looking to get a shear, with similar thickness/material requirements.
What do people recommend? I'd like to spend less than $1k and preferably less than $500.
One thing that caught my attention is the 12" 3-in-1 units rebranded by a lot of companies (e.g., this Eastwood unit). This meets most of my requirements, though I wish it would work with slightly thicker gauges. One thing that concerns me about it is different companies quote different max material thicknesses for it, though I would expect the units are all manufactured by the same company. The Eastwood one claims to be able to go to 16 gauge aluminum, though I haven't seen that for other units. Moreover, I think Eastwood used to spec the same unit at 18 gauge, so I'm a little worried Eastwood is overspec'ing this. In this youtube video (using a Kaka unit) someone performs a brief test on 14 gauge aluminum and it seems to do ok, though they only tried it once so I don't know.
Another question I have is about the practical differences between using a press brake design like in the 3-in-1 above vs a box-and-pan brake (e.g., this). I don't need to go beyond 90deg. Any other advantages/disadvantages of one over the other?
FYI I don't have a lot of experience or skill in mechanical work and only have a few other basic tools, such as a cordless drill and small machinist vise. But, I'd like to get better and for that reason (as well as cost) am not really interested in contracting out the work.
