30" Shear, Press Brake, and Slip Roll.. Got an issue.....

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I'm in the process of making a fuel cell for a friend of mine. Making it out of 1/8" aluminum.  I would like to maybe make more and other things as well and realized that once I get out of school in may I will no longer have access to a good heavy bending brake.. I was looking at this.http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/...o?itemid=05907As I do not have room for a full size one like this.Also, don't have the cash for it either.I'm working out of my fathers one car garage, so it is limited space.. VERY limited.Would the HF 30" bend/shear 1/8" aluminum?www.thefusionsolution.com
Reply:Have used one at work, very limited in capacity, won't shear 1/8 alum or bend more than a couple of inches either.  Save your money.    My opinion FWIW  Fred
Reply:damn. I need to find a solution to this. any recommendations?www.thefusionsolution.com
Reply:save your money and buy the good stuff.My name's not Jim....
Reply:Originally Posted by Boostinjdmsave your money and buy the good stuff.
Reply:Bending big stuff (length, thickness, or in combination) takes big benders.  No real way about it.A shear may be handy for sheet, but there are other ways to cut things that cost less (or more ) or take up less space.  Theye may be a trade-off in that they take more time to make a cut.  You have to decide where you can or will make trade-offs regarding size and capability and cost and speed/ease of use etc.Or just do your projects while you have access to the 'big' equipment at school (or a job).Also, check for any possible sanctioning body rules/regs regarding "fuel cells".  If you are just making a fuel tank, that's one thing.  But sometimes different sanctioning bodies have rules and such about things.  Like "fuel cells".  The best laid schemes ... Gang oft agley ...
Reply:Originally Posted by MoonRiseBending big stuff (length, thickness, or in combination) takes big benders.  No real way about it.A shear may be handy for sheet, but there are other ways to cut things that cost less (or more ) or take up less space.  Theye may be a trade-off in that they take more time to make a cut.  You have to decide where you can or will make trade-offs regarding size and capability and cost and speed/ease of use etc.Or just do your projects while you have access to the 'big' equipment at school (or a job).Also, check for any possible sanctioning body rules/regs regarding "fuel cells".  If you are just making a fuel tank, that's one thing.  But sometimes different sanctioning bodies have rules and such about things.  Like "fuel cells".
Reply:I bought one a couple years back.  Returned it the next day.  It wouldn't shear the thinnest of sheet metals not even soft metal like copper or brass.There are some HF tools I like... this one was a complete piece of junk!oughtsix