[farna]

Harbor Freight and Northern tools both sell a combination shear/brake/slip roll machine like this one:http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...ctId=623&R=623.

I've been thinking about purchasing the 40" model. The capacity is 20 gauge, which is just enough for auto work. Anyone ever use one? I'm a little curious as to how the brake works. I have been thinking about just getting a 36" or 48" brake, but having a shear would be super nice! a shear that will handle 20 gauge is about the cost of this combo machine. HF even has a 52" model, but it's $999. Their 40" is $479 right now (normally $599) and the Northern 40" is $619. The 30" model is about $100 under the 40".

[Silverfox031]

Originally Posted by farna

Harbor Freight and Northern tools both sell a combination shear/brake/slip roll machine like this one:http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...ctId=623&R=623.

I've been thinking about purchasing the 40" model. The capacity is 20 gauge, which is just enough for auto work. Anyone ever use one? I'm a little curious as to how the brake works. I have been thinking about just getting a 36" or 48" brake, but having a shear would be super nice! a shear that will handle 20 gauge is about the cost of this combo machine. HF even has a 52" model, but it's $999. Their 40" is $479 right now (normally $599) and the Northern 40" is $619. The 30" model is about $100 under the 40".

I have the exact model 40",you are refering to, have used it for over 8 years, is a worthwhile investment, shear is excellent, and can shear 18 guage in shorter pieces. Tool has many adjustments for configurations, brake works equally as well, read operating manual, and practice on junk metal, easy to learn, slip rolls and wire forming device, very handy, the additional ability to form boxes in various sizes is also an additional benefit. If you do any sheetmetal work,forming,bending , cutting etc. worth the money. Although I have used more expensive equipment, for the price and all the capabilities, it can't be beat...........Rick

[farna]

Thanks for the reply! My main concern was the brake -- I can pretty much see how everything works from the photos except that. Looks like the brake (or the shear) is an attachement -- you have to move one to use the other, or reposition a piece. That's not a problem, just wanted to know in advance. Or does the brake work by pressing the piece being bent into a die -- sort of like a vice type press -- instead of having a bending leaf? If it's a die type it would be harder to bend at angles other than 90 degrees, but it's really worth the money for the shear alone.

I'll be passing by the Harbor Freight ware house in South Carolina in a couple weeks -- may just pick one up!

[Camarofiend73]

I've got the HF 30" version. I mainly use the slip roll and used the pan brake on a few occasions. The brake is a die type-the shear & brake move as one piece.
BTW- this is one heavy piece of machinery- my 30" version was around 300# and I built a heavy duty stand that probably weighs 200+#-definitely something you don't want to move around too often.

[Silverfox031]

Yep the brake is a Die style, and has some limitations, it performs well, when you go to HF read the operations manual, that will give you an undertsanding of operation....I built a steel frame with selves, and casters to mount my unit on, It is very heavy, and I can move it around my shop with ease............Rick

[farna]

Well, I'm not to fond of the die type brakes, but the shear is well worth the $500. I tried pricing a few shears -- cheapest I found was $1100, most closer to $1500. They were 48", not 40", but that's still a lot for something that will get occasional use. I don't expect to be doing that much sheet metal work!

I can get a 36"-48" brake for $200-$500, so a grand for a brake and shear, with a slip roll thrown in, isn't bad IF I decide I need a standard brake.

Thanks a lot for the answers!

[1939beast]

I have the Enco 40". It is very handy and works really well. The biggest draw back is doing compound brakes. The ends of the brake are not accessible so if you have one brake up and one down close it will not do it. The shear and roller work great.

[1939beast]

The Enco is currently $449 + S/H. Here is the link.
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?P...&PARTPG=INLMK3

[farna]

Better pricing than HF or Northern -- same machine! Thanks a lot.

[milehightoyz]

hi guys great info. ive been looking for this tool myself lately. my question is i working on a 59 chevy wagon and a few older pickups. i can see how this would be ideal for sheet metal work and pody panel fab (ie. rockers panels, etc) my wagon is needing a bunch of floor patches made. i was wondering would this be ideal for one to fab their own patch pieces, floor panels, trans tunnels, etc? i guess my concern is that it will only do 20/18 ga, is this thick enough for floors? i was told i would need at least 16 ga? any input would be greatly appreciated. thanks john

[Silverfox031]

milehightoyz The basic use of this tool, is Cutting, Rolling, and shearing sheet metal, as for making floor panels using 18 thru lighter guage steel, you can make these very strong by adding beads which requires a Bead Roller, Also a cheaper version is Available from HF, getting the deepest throat available, e.g. and 18" would allow a working width of 36" sheet. More then sufficient for floor patches. Usually you'll get various bead forms with the tool, as well as flanging rollers. If your going to fabricate patches or panels for various needs, this tool is invaluable........Rick