Harbor Freight sheetmetal brake

[kdubaz]

I've got some minor sheetmetal bending to do soon, and my buddy with the 48" brake isn't answering his phone. I found this brake at Harbor Freight, but I'm wondering if it's just junk or not. Anyone have any experience with these?

 

[rjspitz]

I have it a home, but haven't used it yet (still in the box). I'll use it tonight and post results.

 

[SteveL]

My experience with HF is that you can find a diamond in the rough every once in a while, but for the most part, you get what you pay for! For $23 I can't imagine that it will be like using the one on American Chopper, but then again, if all you have to do is some 20- gauge sheet metal pieces, it may work OK.

I've though about getting one myself but have resisted temptation so far. Good part is that if you don't like the way it works, they have a good return policy.

 

[KCHOTBOAT]

I picked one up the other day to make some brackets for my tanks in the boat. It works okay.

 

[AdamMopar]

Yes...

I bought one to bend some rear window channels for my car. Worked fairly well for the price. Adam

 

[krooser]

Don't expect to bend 16GA @ 18 " wide and get a good result...22GA maybe...

 

[muddy]

For the price........

For that price I would be happy with anything it did right......that's about equal to four value-meals at McDonalds.
You could find a used one maybe that is better quality but at that price I'd just take the chance.
If you need a break for lots of detailed tasks.......Tennsmith is the top brand. I have a Pro-Form 48 inch finger brake......they are around 700.00 and up.... Keith

 

[rjspitz]

I finally used the brake tonight. I was able to bend 33 guage steel very easily. The bends were crisp and straight. For the money, I'm happy with it.

 

[MXtras]

I am with muddy - - for the money, you really have nothing to loose.

If nothing else you could use it to model a heavier, DIY version using heavy angle iron ir plate.

Scott

 

[Satatic]

I finally used the brake tonight. I was able to bend 33 guage steel very easily. The bends were crisp and straight. For the money, I'm happy with it.

Ykes, what do you use 33 guage steel for? Oragami?

 

[gp_frk]

Ykes, what do you use 33 guage steel for? Oragami?

What he said!

I bend 33ga whenever i put leftovers in the fridge that has to be a typo steel is normally measured in even numbers and 28ga is like a sheet of normal paper?

 

[muddy]

maybe since the 2 is next to the 3 on the keyboard.......22 guage?

 

[rjspitz]

Ykes, what do you use 33 guage steel for? Oragami?

Sorry, it should be 22 guage. I have a splint on my left index finger. Kinda hard to type. Had a run-in with my grinder.

 

[krooser]

Ykes, what do you use 33 guage steel for? Oragami?

Ran outta Reynolds Wrap...