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One of the best money makers and time savers I have added to my shop was a 40" combination sheet metal brake, shear, and roll, from Harbor Freight. My original purpose for it was to be able to make replacement parts for sheet metal electric sign cabinets. Seems like I always needed a new retainer or door.
Another thing I wanted to be able to do, was make odd sized metal sign blanks without running to the sheet metal shop all the time. I have found hundreds of other handy uses for this machine. It's made hanging brackets, mounting clips, put flanges on the ends of flag signs, wrapped the edges of wood backed sign panels, even new copper drawers for my ancient gold kit. One neat project I made with it were some large sheet metal crayons for a day care sign. It's opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me.
If you buy one of these things, be ready to build something really sturdy to put it on. It is H*E*A*V*Y !
Jerry Mathel Jerry Mathel Signs Grants Pass, Oregon jmathel@grantspass.com
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Posts: 916 | From: Grants Pass, OR USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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posted
It does a good job of both shearing and bending .064 aluminum and 22 ga. steel. I've done some small pieces of 20 ga. steel, but it kind of grunts. I'd be afraid to try .080 aluminum.
Jerry Mathel Jerry Mathel Signs Grants Pass, Oregon jmathel@grantspass.com
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Posts: 916 | From: Grants Pass, OR USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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