The Great Finger Brake Question

[danmcph]

I am going to purchase a finger brake for my shop. I have a budget that would allow me to spend 7K if needed on this. I was looking at the Tennsmith 48" Box and Pan brake that allows 6" box depths. It is over $6K plus shipping.

https://www.grizzly.com/products/woodstock-48-box-pan-brake/m1012

The above Grizzly brake is also a 12 gauge 6" brake but is costs half as much and has free shipping. I know the Grizzly isn't as good but for a hobbyist is there any reason to go all the way to a Tennsmith?

I was looking at the Mittler Ultimate Brake as well because of some of its additional features but it costs more than the grizzly and can't make as deep of a box plus it is only 16 gauge. Is the additional abilities of the Mittler worthwhile?

 

[climb.on]

Can you go used? I don't know the nuance of various brakes, but it seems to me you should be able to get the capability of a Tennsmith in some used model for a lot less. Quick search yields this one... https://www.ebay.com/itm/12Ga-Thick...276892&hash=item28a73e3edb:g:Z8UAAOSwcnVgCKIi

 

[Trm303]

I have looked at those grizzly brakes and wondered if the quality would actually lack for a rather simple machine. Depending on the region, You can find some really good deals on the used market. I see Chicago 48” 12ga capacity finger brakes consistently pop up for $2500 in the northeast. If you are quick to catch a deal, I’ve seen them go for a little as $500 that may need some love or be missing a couple fingers


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[rsanter]

I used one of those 12ga brakes at a demo session, that are nigh and day better than the 16ga version

 

[HMCFab9]

Tennsmith is great.
I bought a JET because it was a little cheaper & similar quality.
Don't forget about Baileigh.
They have several different models & even a magnetic version that works pretty slick!

 

[matt_i]

Couple of things to look at:

Grizz 1287 lbs shipping

Tennsmith 1725 lbs shipping

We don't know what kind of skid it comes with but assuming its within 50 lbs, there's ~~450 lbs more steel in the Tennsmith.

Another feature which might drive you nuts in certain spots is:

Grizz fingers: 3", 4" and 25"

Tennsmith fingers: 3", 4", 5"

I'm used to having a 1-1/2" finger on a 48-16 finger brake....that 25" finger could be a pain in certain situations.

The Tsmith comes with big counterweights, the Grizz seems to put them on a longer arm and its a threaded rod, which isn't as nice as a smooth round. Some of it is going to be little things in the fit & finish its hard to quantify or justify without walking around both of them in-person.

Also possibly worth saying: For $7k you could own a used press brake and several new dies and bend a lot heavier than 12ga.

 

[iagsxr]

Depends what you're making I guess but everyone I know that starts with a 4' finger brake ends up also getting a 6'-8' straight brake that then does all the work.

 

[dr_clyde]

For 7k I wouldn’t even be looking at box and pan brakes. That’s used press brake territory. Box and pan brakes have their place, and I have one. But 95% of my sheet metal forming takes place on a press brake.

I paid $500 for my Barth, and it’s conservatively rated at 48” of 14ga. I’ve done almost a full length of 1/8” on it. It was made in the 50’s I think.

I agree with Matt. If you’re insisting on new, and insisting on a box and pan brake, get the Tennsmith. Forget Grizzly and ugh Baleigh. Get a good machine made by a company who takes pride in their products and not just an Asian importer.

 

[danski0224]

Unless I'm mistaken, Tennsmith and Roper Whitney are now one.

I'd make sure that the Tennsmith you are looking at is a USA product. RAMS Sheet Metal Equipment still makes stuff in the USA.

And of course, there is used. Machinery dealers pay scrap price and sell for 1/2 or more of new though....

 

[matt_i]

You can also look at National. They also make a 48-12 finger brake which is alleged to be made in USA.

https://www.national-1.com/boxpanbrakes.php

On the press brake I'd be looking for a Diacro/Houdaille Hydra-Mechanical. There are some small models that will do a lot of work.