24" box pan brake

[tikka308]

I'm new to sheet metal work and have been exploring what seem to be the many ways of bending sheet metal. It seems like there are 1) traditional brakes (http://www.bii1.com/images/new/brake/HB-12016.jpg) 2) box & pan brakes (which allow you to remove parts of the bending-edge to create perpendicular bends) and 3) vice/press-brake style brakes, where you push the metal into a form via a pressured vice/brake.

I'm looking for a ~24" brake to make sheetmetal boxes (thin guage - less than 0.10") about the size of a shoebox. Because of this requirement, it seems like a need a box & pan brake to allow for removable teeth?

Does such a product exist in ~24"? I've seen 48"+, but that's too big.

Thanks!

[HeritageAmps]

Horbor Freight's:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=45877

Grizzly's:
http://grizzly.com/products/24-Box-and-Pan-Brake/G0557

i think they may be the same thing...

[tikka308]

Heritage- you just made my day. Thanks!

[tikka308]

Does anyone have any experience with Grizzly's box & pan brake (or, for that matter, any of their non-motorized metal working equipment)? I'm considering purchasing this - http://grizzly.com/products/24-Box-and-Pan-Brake/G0557 - but am cautious because the only other grizzly product I owned was their portable bandsaw and it was a piece of JUNK!

Thanks.

[blackbeard52]

As with most imports there will be a need for fine tuning (slop adjustment) . however usually this does not equate to the cost difference of a high precision brake.

Bob

[tikka308]

blackbeard - that's for the input. I'm a little trigger shy for the reason I mention above, but I was/am hoping that because this is a much more simple device than a band saw (i.e. no electronics...), it will be a better purchase.

Thanks!

[blackbeard52]

well as I said I would go for it expecting to have to modify it.....and be thrilled it performed above my expectations. It should be very adequate for the mid range of its capabilities..and less than desirable at the top range. I have seen posts of users abusing the machines by adding cheat bars to increase the bending ease or capacity. expect it to fail after short use in this case.

[tikka308]

Makes sense. I just ordered the Grizzly model. I was trying to compare the grizzly vs. the harbor freight and while they seemed the same, Grizzly had a much better user manual. Not sure how important the user manual will be, but simply the fact that it was a "better effort" on Grizzly's part won my business. I will be sure to post details about it upon arrival!

Thanks.

[grd750]

I have used the 24" grizzly brake to make copper end caps for some 2x8 rafter on the house, worked fine. The part was a copper 2x8 channel that fitted over the rafter and I found that I needed the grizzly 18" mini brake for completing the last bend as the part was hitting top of the 24" pan brake. You might also consider getting one of the 12" shears. I found it very handy after I made a table and fence out wood that sits next to the shear.
The 18" mini brake is a pain to setup for each bend as it comes. I added some ears out the back that I can clamp stop blocks to so the top bending clamp can be easily reset.

have fun
Glenn

[blackbeard52]

I just ordered the Grizzly model. I was trying to compare the grizzly vs. the harbor freight and while they seemed the same, Grizzly had a much better user manual.

It seems that Grizzly at least cleans up the casting a little better than HF. So you probably made a good choice. Maybe after you get it you will start a Modification post...(we tool junkies just cant get enough)

Bob

[tikka308]

The Grizzly arrived! I've unpacked it, but not much else. Initial details & photos can be seen here: http://www.nyccnc.com/Herbie/HERBIES..._-_Part_2.html or http://tinyurl.com/5hum4x

After I've had a week or so to play with it, I'll be sure to post more photo's & a video overview.

[tikka308]

Here's a video tutorial / walkthrough of some of my first bends. If anyone else has little / no experience on a Box & Pan brake, they should find this video useful. http://www.nyccnc.com/Herbie/HERBIES..._Tutorial.html or http://tinyurl.com/5zsfhb.