Pan and box brake: modify or build?

[koenbro]

Hi, I would like to get a pan and box brake for up to 16ga aluminum, in 30" size. I already have the Swag Offroad finger brake in a modifed HF 20-ton press, so I can do brackets, etc, but would like to be able to do sheet metal.

As a reference the Eastwood 48" pan&box brake is $850, and the 24" is $300. I am looking at the HF 30" brake but it does not look easily modifiable.

Has anyone built a benchtop pan&box brake or modified an existing one? As a hobbyist ina small garage, I don't have room for a stand-alone 48" brake, and time is not (necessarily) money, so I could build one, if reasonable. I have a bandsaw, fixturing table, and I can TIG weld.

Any advice is gratefully appreciated.

 

[HMCFab9]

I thought about building one for years.....finally just bought a JET 48".
It's pretty good for the price.

How accurate your bends need to be might determine if you should buy vs build one.

 

[22george]

This might be something for you. 3 tools in one. I have a 52 inch wide one and it works great for me. I use it on 18 gauge steel. I was always leary of them but when saw the "American Restorations" tv program had one l took the chance. I got it off of fleabay and am quite happy with it. It will only bend to 90 degrees at the one tight bend radius. I see no way to set up a larger radius on it. I have used the roller, shear, and the brake. I have not tried aluminum on it. I did get a 48 inch box and pan brake. I'm making radius bars for it to bend larger radii.

https://www.harborfreight.com/autom...nch-shear-press-brake-and-slip-roll-5907.html

 

[koenbro]

I am very tempted to build this design in 24" and see how it works. Ideally would love to be able to make 4" deep pans, so, at 45 degrees angle, the finger clearance should be 5.6" .
Would need to have fingers machined.

 

[koenbro]

This might be something for you. [...]

https://www.harborfreight.com/autom...nch-shear-press-brake-and-slip-roll-5907.html

Yeah it is a space saver and at 30" an acceptable compromise. What gives me pause is that, even by HF standards, it is only rated at 3.5 stars.