What is minimum size Pan Sheet Metal Brake would you recommend?

admin

What is minimum  size Pan Sheet Metal Brake would you recommend?Silly question because "It depends on ones needs". I hate buying something twice. Space is an issue. Trying to get out of making gym equipment and want to make arty stuff and furniture. I tend to make thick stuff, lol
Reply:Minimum size (imo) would be 36” -16 gauge. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk:
Reply:I have a Chicago 12 gauge 48” leaf brake. It has been very handy! Also not cheap. Anything bigger that needs bent I farm out to the pressbrake shop.
Reply:I used to be a sheet metal worker doing almost all HVAC work.  Admittedly most of my work was in a smaller operation and was duct work in residential and small commercial operations, we had a 10' brake in the shop and eventually we got a 48" box and pan brake.  We used it alot but mostly in the 12-18" width range, I think it would go up to 18 gauge.
Reply:Here's my 36" x 16 gauge Boggs Brown I sold this summer.


I still have the equivalent sized import box and pan I bought new on sale 20 years ago.   The quality is nowhere near that of the old school one but I realized it is more than adequate for my needs and skill set. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk:
Reply:Thanks guys. Because I tend to make heavy thick stuff 16 gauge is probably important.
Reply:Lis 2323That looks perfect. I like the table style as well
Reply:Thanks Reebz. Depending on what you plan to make you might take a look at magnetic sheet metal brakes also. https://www.baileigh.com/metalworkin...t-metal-brakesAcquiring one was definitely NOT on my radar, but I came across an automotive body guy who purchased this unit for the sole purpose of building a set of body panels for his show car.  He let me have it for half the price of new.


Sent from my iPad using TapatalkLast edited by Lis2323; 11-25-2020 at 05:30 PM.:
Reply:How difficult is it to line up those plates on the mag brake?  Seen a couples on c'list here.
Reply:

Originally Posted by tapwelder

How difficult is it to line up those plates on the mag brake?  Seen a couples on c'list here.
Reply:Seems like a 4' 16ga finger brake is the 'internet standard' answer for garage type shops. I agree with that. The only finger brake I have is a 24" pexto 16ga but I have other brakes too. Most straight brakes have enough room at each end to do a 3 sided box (and 1/2 of the 4th side... so they can be more versatile that some think.)
Reply:On my press I cannot build a 3 foot box on my 3 foot opening.  Is there a capacity on a finger brake.  My sides hit the uprights, so the box bottom size is minus the side height x2.