Thanks for that nice glimpse of one of those units Jim. I've often thought to maybe get one, but feel that it might be a bit of a letdown from the eight foot brake and the four foot shear that I had at my last job, and actually still have access to, if I dare go there to make use of them.
This is ok for hobby steam etc Daniel, but its not in any shape way or form in the class of what you're used to using.
Thanks for the tour Jim looks like years of collecting shop stuff. Seems like your 3in1 should be able to do anything you need it to might have to get one for my self. Also, like your vintage sticker collection.
you couldn't have had better timing with this video Jim, I've been looking at exactly this kind of unit and I'm trying to decide between this and a dedicated finger or pan brake,I have many questions 😉
This is ok for hobby steam etc Daniel, but its not in any shape way or form in the class of what you're used to using.
Well Jim, what I'm used to using is actually too big, unwieldy and awkward to use on small, light gauge pieces of soft metals. May I ask what make that unit is, and what gauge of which metals will each function reasonably handle. Mind you, not what the advertisements claim, but what you can actually feed it and expect reasonable results? Perhaps also advise me of the width capacity of each function if different, or all the same?
I think I've seen them from Micro-Mark and also from Grizzly, but there are likely others, most probably made in the same factory.
TIA Mate
Daniel you asked all the questions I would like to know, perfectly stated.
Mine's the smallest that they make, they are sold the world over and must all come from the same Chinese factory.
Here's the link to mine -
https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/S648For making brass/copper boxes its just superb. The shear is effortless (I didn't show it in the video, but there is a spring loaded lock down device that automatically holds down what is being sheared) and the brake folds metal perfectly. The brake and shear are easy to use and operate.
Now the roller. The roller can be frustrating as its all done by feel. There's nothing to dial in so to speak and it takes a bit of guessing and fiddling around to get just right. Before I try rolling expensive plate like copper/brass I practice on sheet metal that I get from the local tip from the sides of washing machines and other white goods that have thin steel etc there's a limitless supply.
The more you use the roller the more you start to learn how it works and for me there was a learning curve.
Jim, what a simple but brilliant improvement. You should send a link to manufacturer showing how much better this mod makes the whole unit. Can't be a dollar's worth of material, but a huge improvement in function.
Rog
Great tip Jim! I've wanted to get one of those combo machines for some time.