Feedback on press brake

[dnorton77]

I'm a new member to this forum, and I'd like some advice. I've come across a press brake that has me interested:

http://www.fab11.com/pressBrake.asp

Anyone out there have any experience with this company? This brake looks like it'll do everything I need it do, I'm just wondering about what kind of a reputation these guys have, (durability, dependability, parts availability, etc.). I've called them, but just got the typical sales pitch.

Thanks for your thoughts!

[gonejunking]

FWIW I don't like the lower die moving. I am used to the upper die coming down to the part. With the lower die moving, how are you going to keep your fingers out of the way and still hold your part against the back stop? The 3 presses that I use, the upper die moves.
Just my 2c

Jeffrey

[Chuck Reamer]

Originally Posted by gonejunking With the lower die moving, how are you going to keep your fingers out of the way and still hold your part against the back stop? Jeffrey

The back stop moves with the bottom die I think, it should work just the same.

Damn wierd I have never even heard of a brake with a movable bottom die.

[in2steam]

Originally Posted by Chuck Reamer The back stop moves with the bottom die I think, it should work just the same. Damn wierd I have never even heard of a brake with a movable bottom die.

agreed with the above and....
I don't like the lower section, its on wheels(which look cheap), and the tube steel looks rather thin. All you need is that thing to start rolling around while you are bending something. I went and looked at there shear, it uses toggle clamps(like for a holding wood) to hold the material while it shears, you might as well use a c-clamp I would steer clear of this company they either don't know or don't care about saftey.

chris

[gridley51]

Overall it looks like crap.There is no problem with it being upstroking there are plenty makes of brake built like that.The main thing I dislike about it is that it does not have a throat and it would be difficult to get certain sections out the machine after they were bent.
Mark.

[ACIRONMAN]

i just want to post this for anyone looking at fab11 press brakes,dont they are over priced junk i know i bought one.save yourself some head aches and just say no!

[wymetalsmiths]

Bought a ironworker/ press from fab11. Basic machine seems fairly well made but was not as discribed in many ways: footprint, ram speed, shearing capacity, psi gage. Took 2 months to get most of componants. Still not received 1" shear promised after 90 days. Very slow, full of bs and no concept of customer service.

[CatesMetal]

I wish I had seen these post before I made my purchase. I just ordered a pipe bender and dies from this company. The bender arrived, but the components did not. They must have been separated during shipment, is what I have been told. Production is being held up in my shop, and I cannot get anyone to return my numerous phone calls or messages. Does anyone who has dealt with this company have any suggestions for getting the rest of my order? This is extremely frustrating.

[ACIRONMAN]

THIS PLACE IS AWFUL TO DEAL WITH ,THE BOTTOM DIE CAME 1 1/2 MONTHS AFTER THE MACHINE! NOBODY ANSWERS THE PHONE AND THEY WONT ANSWER E-MAILS IF YOU COMPLAIN TO MUCH.I TURNED THEM IN TO THE BBB AND THE STATES ATTORNEY IN IOWA. STILL NO RESPONSE I AM PROBABLY GOING TO HAVE TO GET A LAWYER AND FILE SUIT AGAINST THEM. THERE PRODUCTS ARE NOTHING LIKE THEY ADVERTISE. YOUR BENDER MIGHT BE DIFFERENT BUT THE PRESS BRAKE IS SLOW THEY SAID 1-2 SECOND CYCLE TIME WHEN I WAS BUYING BUT ITS MORE LIKE 20 SECOND TIMES. GOOD LUCK !

[ACIRONMAN]

I was surfing the web and found FAB11 is now selling their junk under the name STEEL, STEEL123 and have now come out with a three in one machine that looks like a nightmare!!!! How they continue to be in business has got me. I did see in another forum a bunch of pissed off fab11 customers that figured in such a big pond you will always get a bite!!! I wonder if the quotes on their website still ring true or the customers are singing a different tune.