Which ironworker?

[kruegdr]

We've got some cash-money at work to get an iron worker.

We're looking at the following:
Peddinghaus PeddiCat 1

Baileigh SW-62

We're not a production shop. This will be for one-off custom work, or small batches, maybe 10-20 units. Generally we'll make test fixtures or instrumentation fixtures.

Space is a big concern. The projected location of the machine will require periodic movement for maintenance to access a steam condenser. Our gib crane would be the first idea for moving it, but we also have a forklift.

Our first choice would be the Peddinghaus due to the amount of features, quality, floor space, and ergonomics.

The Baileigh is 7k cheaper, and there are some quality concerns (Chinese made), and the ergonomics aren't so great, and it takes up more room. Also, the Baileigh is available through Grainger, which makes the paperwork much easier.

Both are capable of being lifted by a lifting eye, or placed on risers for the fork truck to get under them. They are also similar in capacity, with the Peddinghaus having the slight edge.

So, do you think the better feature-set, higher quality, reduced floor space, difficult paperwork, and better ergonomics of the Peddinghaus is worth the extra $7k?

What better place to ask than GJ?

 

[ncfh]

Baileigh is ****. Well marketed, but ****.

All they do is slap some paint and their logo on low end Asian machinery that can be had elsewhere for much cheaper.

Peddinghaus is okay, but IMO there are better options...

Piranha

Geka

Edwards, Scotchman, and the various Asian rebrands just don't last, they get beat up and then they are paperweights.

Uni-Hydro are tough and reliable, but ancient designs are awkward to use, and slooow cycle times.

Piranhas are compact, fast cycling, versatile, tough, and probably the best "value" in the market.

Geka's are the cream of the crop. There are costlier German machines but Geka is hard to beat. They have rules built in everywhere, quick set stops and fences. Means fast and easy setups, less waste, higher productivity, yada, yada. Once you go Geka...

BTW, the used equipment market is ripe.

Pass on the new Asian junk and leverage some nice used iron that will last ten times as long, is easier to use, and wastes less material.

 

[A_Pmech]

I can't argue anything that ncfh said. That's pretty much the story...

 

[precisiontech]

Go with a Geka, we use to have a Pirahna, and sold it. We now have 2 Geka Ironworkers, things are rock solid.

 

[MO-Iron]

Check out Scotchman, solid made in USA machines with good support.

 

[Static-XJ]

I like HMI, seems they've been sold though. We have a 70 ton HMI two operator unit. It's very smooth, much nicer then the 50 ton Pirahna we have. Only thing I like about the Pirahna is the automatic clamps on the bar and angle shears.

 

[Roots]

I can't argue anything that ncfh said. That's pretty much the story...

+1, ncfh really covered it well.

 

[kruegdr]

Excellent responses guys! Thanks for the input. The old-head here at the shop is grateful as well.

Scotchman was on our list, but the ergonomics and layout weren't what we needed. We're trying to keep from being cornered by management into buying a Baileigh.

We'll have a look at the Piranha, Geka, HMI, and Uni-Hydro.

 

[loosesideprop]

I am a Mechanical Engineer working in a steel fab shop, and have had or looked at just about every brand made. Currently have two Geka's, one Piranaha, and one Sunrise. Our smallest is 120 ton, largest 180 (metric) ton. These three brands as well as Peddinghaus are all good. We have all four configured to use the same size tooling, making it easier. The newest, Sunrise, is built in Taiwan, but is very well made, using all easy to obtain hydraulics, electrical components, etc. We have a CNC gage on the punch on this one, and have retrofitted CNC guaging on the Piranaha and one Geka. The used market is full of machines for sale now, at bargin prices.

 

[Hogg Hopkins]

Piranha = good power little space

 

[Milton Shaw]

I bought a set of roller machinery movers from a pawn shop and left them under my ironworker so that I can roll it in and out to use the 4th station on the back. No other type of caster would work. I paid $80 instead of the asking $250 as he had gotten tired of moving them in and out of his store. At 2200lbs its still hard to move but once the floor is clean it will roll ok.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I have watched some of the Piranaha videos and if I ever build my ultimate garage I'm going to get one !

 

[kruegdr]

We found a used Geka Bendicrop, so hopefully that one will go through. I'll make sure to post up pics if all goes well.

 

[kruegdr]

Gentlemen, thank you for all of the information. We finally got a Geka Bendicrop, and it is very nice!

I haven't had a project for it yet, and I'm taking off soon until the new year. Here's a photo of it in place. Note how close we are to the crane, MTS, steam pit, storage area, and right behind me is the parts washer.

 

[IndyGarage]

Isn't the Bendicrop the one with the bender above the punch station? It must be under the yellow cover in your picture. That seems like a really nice unit.

I've got a small scotchman with a 6 place turret - it's a nice little machine.

 

[kruegdr]

Correct, it is under the cover. There are many electric interlocks for each station and speed.

Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk 2