Cheap Sheet Metal brake

Jim Thompson wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@4ax.com:

you didn't specify anything except CHEAP. It's not my fault you wrote inadequate specs. :-p

"toy" or not,they work;I have the 18" model from Micromark.

Yep. For what simple stuff I need, they'll work. ...Jim Thompson

Jim Thompson Inscribed thus:

Check your mailbox !

Received. Thanks again! ...Jim Thompson

The lack of fingers limits its usefulness, IMO.

If you had just used it carefully...

If you happen to have a milling machine...

In the past we've done quick sheet-metal protos by simpy milling down (scoring) the bend lines on our Haas CNC. I forget the exact depth of cut, but it shouldn't be too hard to figure out. Works like a charm. Of course, you have to have a mill "laying around".

- Martin

Someone mentioned the cheap Harbor Freight brake:

I've used that. I can't get precision with it. For example, if all I want is a 90 degree bend twice in a sheet of metal to get a U shape I can do it, but I can't get the legs of the U to be precisely the same length, except by accident.

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Of course there's a skill factor, and I'll rate mine at 0 with this tool, so it is quite possible you might have better results. And, for a quick and easy L bend in light stuff where ~ +/- 1/8" doesn't matter, it's fine.

Ed

Sheeesh! I didn't know they were right here under my nose ;-) I'll venture out Black Canyon after the holidays... that'd be an unpleasant drive during the shopping season :-( ...Jim Thompson

I'm likely to go with something with "fingers" and self-clamping.

Now that Spehro pointed out that Harbor freight is right here under my nose I'll venture forth and "feel" the merchandise ;-) ...Jim Thompson

Jim See for the Phoenix area metal and model workers group. They also have a Yahoo group.

Dave Foreman Tucson

I suppose without fingers it would be a bit tricky, too. ;-)

... "pants wetting" ;-)

At your age, that's entirely possible

Reminds me of an old girlfriend :-)

Get a job teaching at a community college with an industrial electronics ("Mechatronix") program. G-jobs are encouraged as teaching aids.

Jim

=A0 =A0 ...Jim Thompson

Most stuff from HF is a bit on the schlocky side. You get what you pay for. That said, I must have 5 of those disposable DVMs.

I didn't say "teeth"? ;-)

=A0 =A0 ...Jim Thompson

=A0 =A0| =A0 =A0mens =A0 =A0 |

=A0 | =A0 =A0 et =A0 =A0 =A0|

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=A0 =A0 =A0 |

I find outsourcing is best.

=A0 =A0 =A0...Jim Thompson

you know it getting bad (or Good, deepening on how you look at things) when CHINA is outsourcing their manufacturing to Vietnam