Box & Pan Brake

[Mike Switzer]

I am in need of a box & pan brake. I used to have access to a shop with a 12' brake, but not anymore.

I have done some searching online, and I am suspicious of the quality of some of these units. Also, I am not sure how big of a unit is enough. I know I don't need anything near as big as the 12' unit I was using, since I'm not planning on making any grain chutes or HVAC ducts, but I think the 24" units may be too small.

I want to use it to make oil pans, fuel tanks, etc.

Anyone have any thoughts on reasonably priced decent quality units, or what size is "big enough"?

[Sam Buchanan]

I am in need of a box & pan brake. I used to have access to a shop with a 12' brake, but not anymore.

I have done some searching online, and I am suspicious of the quality of some of these units. Also, I am not sure how big of a unit is enough. I know I don't need anything near as big as the 12' unit I was using, since I'm not planning on making any grain chutes or HVAC ducts, but I think the 24" units may be too small.

I want to use it to make oil pans, fuel tanks, etc.

Anyone have any thoughts on reasonably priced decent quality units, or what size is "big enough"?

If you have a Harbor Freight store close by you might check this out:

http://www.harborfreight.com/garage-...roll-5907.html

I've used one and it seems to be a decent value for the non-professional shop.

[martymayes]

I agree with Sam, the Harbor Freight and comparable stuff at Tractor Supply, et al, is adequate if you have patience.

If you want to move up a couple steps in quality (and price), check out http://www.woodwardfab.com/sheet_met...ding_tools.htm

Mostly cater to car guys but I am very impressed wth their tools.

[Mike Switzer]

Hmm.. Those 3 in one machines look interesting. The ones further down on the Woodward page are more like what I am used to using, but I can't justify spending anywhere near that much for no more than I will use it - and my shop is only so big.

[Tom Downey]

I have a three way machine, they are a POS, the fingers on the brake will never give a smooth bend, the bent metal will always show a divot at each segment of the brake. Unless you pad the brake with .032 on each side the break will produce a bend too tight (radius too small) and crack T-3 every time.

[Mike Switzer]

Thanks, Tom that tells me something.

I would like to find a heavier (older) machine at an auction, but if I don't I may consider this one (I don't really need the shear or roller for what I want to do)

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HCK-WFBP4816/

[FlyingRon]

I disagree with you Marty. Harbor Freight is by and large cheap junk and while if it works, it can be a very good deal, TRACTOR SUPPLY sells top notch usually name brand stuff. I buy all of my airtools at Tractor Supply and it's a good deal. Sort of in between is Northern Tool if you have one near by.

[pmiracing]

We have several box and pan brakes to choose from in different sizes and capacities. We also have Shear Brake Combo Machines that feature a apron brake and shear in one machine. Check all these machines at www.bodybuilderraceequipment.com

[Sam Buchanan]

Yes, premium quality tools are a pleasure to work with, don't think anyone will argue that point. But there are situations where discount priced tools are functional and a good value when they will be lightly or seldom used.

I built an original design fuel tank for my Legal Eagle. It is a complex tank, lots of weird angles that must be correct for the thing to fit together properly:

http://eaglexl-58.com/tank-9.jpg

It was essential I have a bending brake in my shop for this project even though I seldom need a brake. The most practical option was an inexpensive Harbor Freight brake:

http://eaglexl-58.com/tank-14.jpg

This brake certainly won't win any precision-tool awards, and it requires some finesse and patience to get dialed in to get the results needed. But it worked well for the tank project and didn't bust the budget. Matter of fact, the price was low enough that even if I never need it again it was worthwhile for just the one tank project. Interestingly, I have used it several times since and I now consider it totally amortized and a useful addition to the shop.

The purists will sniff at these inexpensive tools, but that's ok, my Eagle fuel tank has been flying for two summers. The difference in cost between the Harbor Freight brake and a "better" one has funded the fuel for those two summers.

[Mike Switzer]

Sam, that same brake is available at our local farm store at a very reasonable price, and I thought about getting one, but there is no way to form all 4 sides of a box or pan without the fingers.

Did you just design your tank so it could be made 3 sides at a time & then fasten it together?