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

[Reebz]

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

[Lis2323]

Minimum size (imo) would be 36” -16 gauge.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[walker]

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.

[Birdhunter1]

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.

[Lis2323]

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

[Reebz]

Thanks guys. Because I tend to make heavy thick stuff 16 gauge is probably important.

[Reebz]

Lis 2323
That looks perfect. I like the table style as well

[Lis2323]

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-brakes


Acquiring 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 Tapatalk

[tapwelder]

How difficult is it to line up those plates on the mag brake? Seen a couples on c'list here.

[Lis2323]

How difficult is it to line up those plates on the mag brake? Seen a couples on c'list here.

Not difficult at all. You can have your workpiece and clamping bars held in position with half magnetic power. I can then use a small rubber mallet to tap square if necessary.

FULL magnetic holding force is applied when you lift the handle to bend.

If you have a lot of simple repetitive bends to make that don’t require the clearances this brake affords it is WAY quicker to use a conventional machine.

[jamscal]

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.)

[tapwelder]

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.