Recomendations for a Sheet Metal Brake??

[Hustler388]

Im wanting a metal brake to bend mainly aluminium like for race cars,brackets, etc,hobby, I know for thick stuff ill have to go to a shop to get it bent,,,Ive seen the ones at harbor freight and Northern tool. but wonder if there's one thats a better quality,heavier duty, I am wanting to stay under 500.00

Some of the ones I googled look like they just paint them a diff color.


Someone else recommended a box pan, finger brake, and said something about the bushion in the ends, I've used one before but Im not educated on the diff ones.

prob need 36-48 inch

Thanks for any advice

Rob

heres a pick of the switch box i made and wiring panel, stuff like this

 

[usa#1]

I'm looking for a brake myself. I noticed Zoro has a Dayton 48" x 16 gauge (model #13W876). It lists for 1035.01 with free shipping. With a 30% discount it would be about $725.00 before tax. I compared it to similar Grizzly and ENCO models. The Dayton brake has a deeper box capacity of 4" where most of the others have a 3" box depth. Other manufacturers (Jet, Tennsmith, etc.) are about $1300-1400 for a 16 gauge unit with a 4" box depth. I looked for an owners manual for the Dayton unit to see actual bending capacities, couldn't find one so I'm going to give Zoro a call.

If anyone has one of these Dayton units or has seen one in person, I would appreciate your opinion of said unit.

 

[HMCFab9]

I doubt you can find a decent one (new) for under $500.
I looked for years for one, even used & couldn't find one for a good price.
I ended up buying a JET 48", 16 gauge & i'm pretty happy with it.
Baileigh sells a nice one, but it's over a thousand easily.
The H.F. one is cheaper, but the quality can be questionable.

 

[lakebrooks10]

I love my Boyd Built brake

 

[theoldwizard1]

Occasionally you can find metal brakes and shear on CS. The old ones really are good as long as the frame is not cracked. A good quality used 36-48" brake could take most of your budget.

Box and pan brakes that size are hard to find and will be a lot more expensive. Typically they are under 24"

 

[astroracer]

I have been using my Harbour Freight 3 in 1 for a few years now. For the price it has been an excellant machine.
Have bent .090 aluminum with it which is pretty stout for this machine.
HF puts these on sale for 299.99 a couple times a year.
Here is an electrical enclosure I bent up out of .090 aluminum.

I made a couple of custom fingers so I could get the box to close up.

 

[Andybull]

I would look around for machery auctions, but doubt you'll find a good quality one for $500.00 or less.

 

[PMD1966]

Check out SWAG Off-Road. They make a lot of Jeep parts. They also make metal fabrication tools. Like a bender that fits in a 20 ton hydraulic press. Capacity up to 5/8".
Prices start at about $180.00.

 

[BFalfa]

I have one from grizzly 16gauge 48" box and pan. No complaints.

 

[Ign]

Today only (1/20/15) the Enco 16ga model should be $567 w 20% off 2TDIS
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INPDFF?PMPAGE=31&PMKANO=388&PARTPG=INLMPA&PMCTLG=01

For January Hot Deals flyer free shipping is supposed to be built in to the item number (not a promo code).

Prices on these have jumped, I got this same brake for $399 a few years ago, but still relative to today's market $567 ain't bad.....

 

[Hustler388]

Today only (1/20/15) the Enco 16ga model should be $567 w 20% off 2TDIS
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INPDFF?PMPAGE=31&PMKANO=388&PARTPG=INLMPA&PMCTLG=01

For January Hot Deals flyer free shipping is supposed to be built in to the item number (not a promo code).

Prices on these have jumped, I got this same brake for $399 a few years ago, but still relative to today's market $567 ain't bad.....

I was leaning toward the 3 in 1 but so many people said stay away from them, like ya said the free shipping and 20% off makes a big difference in to the door price.

Thanks
Rob

 

[dr_clyde]

I bought a 48" 16ga Tennsmith off craigslist a few years back for $500 cash. Its been a really nice brake, although I wish it was beefier. It works great for what its rated for, so I can't really complain.

I'm kinda spoiled and use the press brake down the street for most things, however.

 

[theknurl]

48" box and pan if you only have 1 brake




they do eat floor space though

 

[airrj]

I have the 48" 16 gauge Enco model. I don't use it allot, but I have been very happy with the unit. It is not a Baileigh brake, but for the price (with the 20% off) it is a very good value in my opinion.

 

[ADSR]

here's my Roper Whitney 1016.