View Full Version : Tools I need
KenWilkinson
11-25-2019, 02:27 PM
So one thing that frustrates me is working with sheet metal. I never need to make big things, but always little stuff. Thinking of a simple bending brake,but I kinda like the Eastwood combo tool, BRAKE, SHEAR AND SLIP ROLL.
LINK -> https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-12-inch-3-in-1-brake-shear-and-slip-roll.html
Anyone on this forum have any experience with this? I'm wondering if it is worth it or should I look elsewhere.
wallace18
11-25-2019, 03:38 PM
I have the 30" combo unit from Harbor freight. It works fine for me. Not something you would earn a living with but for building kit cars it is fine,, IMO.
KenWilkinson
11-25-2019, 07:56 PM
This one?
https://www.harborfreight.com/30-inch-shear-press-brake-and-slip-roll-5907.html
wallace18
11-26-2019, 06:42 AM
yes.
This small one from Harbor Freight worked pretty good for making cup holders, a center console, and speaker boxes. I used a jigsaw with a metal blade and metal shears to cut the sheet metal.
There's no doubt though that both the Eastwood and Harbor Freight upgrade models would have made fabrication easier. If I had to do it again, I'd do the upgrade.
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edwardb
11-26-2019, 10:28 AM
I've fabricated a bunch of small parts on my builds. Mainly with the same very basic 30-inch brake from Harbor Freight that RJD pictured. Where that didn't work, bent manually with straight edges, hammers, etc. If I were buying one today, I'd do a box and pan brake which would accommodate some of the smaller parts much better. I've looked at this one: https://www.woodwardfab.com/product/24-20-gauge-box-and-pan-brake-wfbp2420/ or this one https://www.woodwardfab.com/product/box-and-pan-brake-wfbp4816/. The smaller one would do most of what I've made. One of these days... I would have very limited use for the slip roller and don't have any issue with cutting my own parts out with a bandsaw or whatever. So the combo tool to me would be unnecessary.
KenWilkinson
11-26-2019, 07:29 PM
Well the Eastwood 12 inch sells for 329 plus shipping is 406. the harbor fright one is 30 inch and sells locally no expensive shipping for 399.
Guess I know what i'll do now. Thanks all.
wallace18
11-26-2019, 07:31 PM
Well the Eastwood 12 inch sells for 329 plus shipping is 406. the harbor fright one is 30 inch and sells locally no expensive shipping for 399.
Guess I know what i'll do now. Thanks all.
Get a 20% off coupon from a magazine or Sunday paper to save about 80 bucks at HF.