thoughts on this 3 in 1 sheet metal machine?

[BTL-A4]

I'd like to get a shear/bender, but 30" seems too big for my garage and the 12" versions of this machine are too small for what I'd use it for. I'd like to be able to bend something that is about 18" or so wide. I had access to a bigger one, but have switched jobs and no longer have easy access to a bender or a shear.

I found a 30" Jet 3-in-1 sheet metal bender/cutter/roller for $500. Its been sitting awhile and has what appears to be surface rust. Thoughts on price and if this is a decent machine?


I think $500 is too high (it was reduced from $800). A new HF one is about $500, but they are not available for awhile. I'm in no hurry, but I don't typically pay more than about 1/2 of new for anything used. The new Jet version of this is $1200, so maybe the price is about right.

 

[matt_i]

It might take awhile to find them but the Diacro set of small sheetmetal machines are excellent. Shear, notcher press brake come to mind

I had really good luck with Tennsmith products as well but they are bigger.

 

[txvwnut]

$500 is way too much for that. The surface rust isn’t really an issue as if you don’t use it daily or don’t keep the surfaces protected it‘ll get surface rust anyway.

 

[Hammer1963]

I own one and they can perform well if you are willing to do a little tuning on them. Keep in mind of it's limitations and you will be good to go. The price really isn't bad considering that the Jet model is going to be a better quality machine than the HF version.

 

[landrover bodger]

i have the clarke one from machine mart here in the UK. works well . i looked at the jet ones and they look as if they are the same just a different color .

 

[BTL-A4]

It might take awhile to find them but the Diacro set of small sheetmetal machines are excellent. Shear, notcher press brake come to mind

I had really good luck with Tennsmith products as well but they are bigger.

There are sometimes Diacros for sale here in LA, but they are really expensive.

$500 is way too much for that. The surface rust isn’t really an issue as if you don’t use it daily or don’t keep the surfaces protected it‘ll get surface rust anyway.

It sold for $300 or less, I think. Still too much, IMO.

I own one and they can perform well if you are willing to do a little tuning on them. Keep in mind of it's limitations and you will be good to go. The price really isn't bad considering that the Jet model is going to be a better quality machine than the HF version.

Yeah, I don't need anything fancy. I like fixing up old machines and making them "purty" and useable.

i have the clarke one from machine mart here in the UK. works well . i looked at the jet ones and they look as if they are the same just a different color .

I think they are all made in the same factory to differing QC standards and get painted a different color and shipped.

 

[BTL-A4]

Well, this one sold. I did find another one, though, and posted it in a new thread. It will need some work, though. I just hope the parts really are interchangeable.