Decent Metal Brake

[Tscott]

I ask for tools for Christmas every year. I typically provide links to products I like and it has worked out pretty well. This year I am looking at asking for a sheet metal brake. I want a good value (maybe $200 or less) and only need to bend sheet metal to repair body panels and floor boards, so nothing really thick. Not sure how wide I need, but no wider than most folks here use I would imagine.

So suggest a decent quality sheet metal brake that won't break the bank. Oh and it should be new so it's easy for someone to buy it online (i.e. Craigslist isn't an option)

Tom

 

[mechanic217]

Thats a tight budget it may get you a 36 inch Harbor Freight but not much more.

 

[ezzzzzzz]

I'd suggest watching govdeals.com or publicsurplus.com as possible sources. I would highly recommend not buying something like this if you can't view prior to bidding. There are great deals out there and a lot of broken **** too. Don't expect the sellers to provide accurate info as it's just another 'item for sale'.

 

[87jeepwrangler]

save up a little longer and get the enco 48" 16 gauge when it goes on sale every spring.

 

[benjamintmiller]

Cars generally use 18-20 gauge steel, and that Harbor Freight brake looks pretty wimpy for their 16 gauge claim. I'd be surprised if it could even handle 20 gauge.

I have one of their 30" 3-in-1 machines that weights 3 times as much, and it will just barely make an ugly bend on 20 gauge steel.

To actually bend body panels and get nice bends, I'd say you're off by an order of magnitude. Look to spend over $1000 for a decent 16 gauge brake.

 

[Tscott]

Got it, sounds like a decent brake is out of the price range I would consider acceptable for a gift request. I appreciate all the input guys.

Tom

 

[HMCFab9]

Yep... sorry, you're not getting a brake for 200 bucks.
I looked around for years for a decent one.
The only way you will get one for that price is maybe a straight brake (not box & pan)
I finally got a JET 4' 16 gauge.
Seemed like the best for the money, but it's over a grand $$$.

 

[mygarageone]

Not to long ago I sold my sheet metal shop equipment , rollers , 8 ft brake , 3 foot shears , seaming hammer , crimpers . I had it all . Now that I am into restoring cars/trucks . I want it all back !

 

[Richard D]

Cars generally use 18-20 gauge steel, and that Harbor Freight brake looks pretty wimpy for their 16 gauge claim. I'd be surprised if it could even handle 20 gauge.

I have one of their 30" 3-in-1 machines that weights 3 times as much, and it will just barely make an ugly bend on 20 gauge steel.

To actually bend body panels and get nice bends, I'd say you're off by an order of magnitude. Look to spend over $1000 for a decent 16 gauge brake.

I broke the casting on a 3-in-one on 20 gauge first time I used it! Junk!

For $2000 you could get one of these..."Dear Santa Baileigh Industrial is an Alliance Vendor..."

http://metal.baileighindustrial.com/metalworking/sheet-metal-brakes/magnetic

 

[PCO6]

Cars generally use 18-20 gauge steel, and that Harbor Freight brake looks pretty wimpy for their 16 gauge claim. I'd be surprised if it could even handle 20 gauge.

I made a cable storage box for my plasma cutter out of 16 gauge steel using a Harbor Freight (Princess Auto in my case) brake. I was surprised at how well it worked.

View media item 35004
There are various improvements that can be made to strengthen the Harbor Freight brake. I haven't modified mine yet but it's on the "list". I've only got as far as Googling them.

http://www.harborfreight.com/36-inch-metal-brake-with-stand-91012.html

 

[NUTTSGT]

I broke the casting on a 3-in-one on 20 gauge first time I used it! Junk!

I definitely agree, that 3-in-1 one is junk, don't waste your time even looking at it.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Got it, sounds like a decent brake is out of the price range I would consider acceptable for a gift request. I appreciate all the input guys.

Tom

One thing you could do Tom is once you find one you like, ask for a gift certificate that you could put towards it.

 

[BAILEIGH INC]

Santa is here.....his name is Shane.

Need some help? I offer sweet deals for forum memebers

Call me 920-482-3220

 

[A**holes Garage]

Santa is here.....his name is Shane.

Need some help? I offer sweet deals for forum memebers

Call me 920-482-3220

Post up some deals Santa!

 

[HMCFab9]

Shane's a good guy.
I was at a Baileigh training class a while ago & they have some Really nice equipment.
Support those that support us if at all possible.