Chicago Dries and Krump Box and Pan Break

[pb57]

I have a chance to buy this Chicago box and pan brake for 3500 dollars. Very little use. It is 4 foot and bends up to 12 gauge. Im wondering if I will regret buying this 4 foot model rather than getting a 6 or even 8 foot model. I was considering a Baileigh which I don't believe is as good as the Chicago I'm looking at plus the Chicago is local. Have any of you folks bought a 4 foot model bender and regret getting something longer. I do some fab work but mostly farm machinery repairs and machining. thanks Paul

 

[danski0224]

Sometimes the brake is never long enough...

A current production Chinese import brake will never equal that one, even if it claims to have the same ratings.

The price seems to be "in line" for that piece of equipment.

If it's complete, bends straight and none of the parts has a ding that will mark up your finished product...

Make sure that it's complete, as replacement fingers are much more expensive than you think they are.

 

[txvwnut]

Four foot is better than nothing at all and you can use it till a six footer comes along. I have a 42” brake and have only had a couple times where I was needing more length.

 

[dr_clyde]

That’s a very high quality brake, one of the best you can get.

I personally think the price is a touch high, but probably not that out of line if the condition is cherry.

4’ is plenty wide for a hand brake. Bigger brakes take some serious muscle to bend thick steel.

If you need a brake, don’t wait too long. Someone else will snap it up while you are debating.

 

[pb57]

Thanks for all the replies guys. Paul

 

[bsg]

I have a chance to buy this Chicago box and pan brake for 3500 dollars. Very little use. It is 4 foot and bends up to 12 gauge. Im wondering if I will regret buying this 4 foot model rather than getting a 6 or even 8 foot model. I was considering a Baileigh which I don't believe is as good as the Chicago I'm looking at plus the Chicago is local. Have any of you folks bought a 4 foot model bender and regret getting something longer. I do some fab work but mostly farm machinery repairs and machining. thanks Paul

That’s a very high quality brake, one of the best you can get.

I personally think the price is a touch high, but probably not that out of line if the condition is cherry.

4’ is plenty wide for a hand brake. Bigger brakes take some serious muscle to bend thick steel.

If you need a brake, don’t wait too long. Someone else will snap it up while you are debating.

I agree the price is a little high, but not totally out of line if all the fingers are there?

For the OP, one other thing to check, some of the later ones were made in Mexico then Tawain, I wouldn't pay that much for one of the imported ones!

Kevin

 

[HMCFab9]

Make sure all the fingers come with it & I'd try bending something with it before purchase.

The Baileigh benders are pretty decent, but the older stuff is usually built better.

 

[pb57]

Just thought I would let you all know that I ended up buying the brake. Got it for 3000 dollars. still a lot of money but all the fingers were there as well a one full length one if I wanted to use it as a full pan brake. thanks Paul

 

[matt_i]

A 12ga brake is supremely heavy duty compared to the typical 16ga offerings. Great score I think having all of the fingers + the one full length die/finger.

Granted these are new ones but are Tennsmith which is good but not on the level of Chicago D+K in my opinion.

Next step is a press brake but the dies are spendy.

48-12
https://www.trick-tools.com/Tennsmith_4_foot_Heavy_Duty_Box_Pan_Brake_12_gauge_F6_48_12_316

72-12
https://www.mscdirect.com/browse/tn...1ZQyQOJhvaTWVKPSbtKqtqzCNgKnhwExoCxyAQAvD_BwE

96-12
https://www.mscdirect.com/browse/tn...9pnX5dBu5tQPO4TkJRmPsLgEtiRWA0SBoCuQQQAvD_BwE

 

[sberry]

My neighbor built one, made it just short of being able to fit appliance steel in it. That is a dandy, I missed one at a sale too, had never been used. 48 is good, fits full sheet in it and easy for appliance steel which is ideal, so many bends already done along with the surface prep.
3 large isn't too steep, they are hard to find and last a long time. You wouldn't have any problem selling it for that.

 

[pb57]

Thanks sherry, I have always valued your opinion on here. Paul

 

[pb57]

Thanks for the info Matt. I looked at the Tennsmith and they seemed nice as well. I see on the specs the Chicago/Dries/Krump is over 500 pounds heavier than the comparable Tennsmith. Paul