Need aluminum/trim brake

Pittsville · 10-19-2011, 04:35 AM

I have an immediate need for an aluminum brake for bending chimney step and counter flashing. (16 ounce/24 gauge copper) I will most likely also need to bend fascia and window trim at a later time. I'd like something in the 8-10 foot range (thinking ahead here), but would settle for a smaller unit as cost is definitely an issue.

Based on this information, can anyone suggest a good source for obtaining a brake that will meet my needs? I'd prefer a used brake as $600+ is simply out of the budget for now. I've been searching ebay and local classifieds, but have come up dry. I've posted a "wanted" ad with the local paper hoping someone would come forward with a unit for sale. (I figure this is probably the best time of year to score a good deal) Anyone have any ideas? Places to look that sell used equipment?

PS... I assume a simple bending brake would suit my needs? Any reason to entertain box-and-pan brakes?

**kwikfishron** · 10-19-2011, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pittsville

I'd prefer a used brake as $600+ is simply out of the budget for now.

Good luck..... I just picked up a Pro3 for $350 a few months ago and that was a SCREAMING deal and I drove 4 hrs, one way to get it.

$600 is an average price for USED.

Have you thought about having someone else bend it up for you?

Pittsville · 10-19-2011, 06:30 AM

I like the flexibility/confidence of having the necessary tools at my disposal. I'd rather not have to rely on a fabricator unless absolutely necessary.

I'm trying to find something in the $400 range, but unless I come across someone getting out of the trade, I suspect I'm going to be stuck with a 30" to 48" light duty brake. (More than likely some type of benchtop model) One of these brakes should be fine for chimney flashing, but I obviously need a larger model for bending edge details. Would love to find a deal like yours, but I suspect that I'll end up in the fabricators shop before I do.

**kwikfishron** · 10-19-2011, 06:50 AM

Have you tried Search Tempest? It will search all CL post for a large geographical area.

Ron6519 · 10-19-2011, 10:42 AM

I see these on Craig's List all the time. At least once or twice a month on LI.

Pittsville · 10-19-2011, 12:56 PM

I always forget craigslist. Guess I need to get with the times. Sent a number of emails this morning, but all of the brakes have been sold. Just found another one posted an hour ago, so I'm waitibg to hear back from the seller. 10 footer for $275. Thanks guys!

Pittsville · 10-19-2011, 02:00 PM

Guy called me back and he still has the brake. It's about 13 years old, but still works well. Heading to see it this afternoon. $275 or best offer is what he's asking, which seems fair if it's in good working order.

Ron6519 · 10-19-2011, 04:39 PM

There's no bend handle in the photo. Can't make out if the lock down lever is attached.
I'd bring a few pieces of flashing with you to test it out.

Pittsville · 10-19-2011, 04:46 PM

I thought the bend handle was the brownish rectangular piece on the right? Sorry if this sounds ridiculous, but what do you mean by "lock down lever"?

**kwikfishron** · 10-19-2011, 05:07 PM

The lock down handle closes the break so you can bend the metal and I’m not seeing it either. The bend handle’s there. Looks like a old Tapco Windy.

**kwikfishron** · 10-19-2011, 05:16 PM

That might be it blending in with the concrete.

Ron6519 · 10-19-2011, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwikfishron

The lock down handle closes the break so you can bend the metal and I’m not seeing it either. The bend handle’s there. Looks like a old Tapco Windy.

I thought that was rusted pipe. That's not the original handle. The original is aluminum and curved at the corners.

**kwikfishron** · 10-19-2011, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron6519

I thought that was rusted pipe. That's not the original handle. The original is aluminum and curved at the corners.

True enough, looks like a retrofit.

My brake use to have aluminum handles too, now it has a couple of pieces of ¾” galvanized pipe.

jomama45 · 10-19-2011, 05:31 PM

Be sure to check over the large cast aluminum sections in the throat. If it's been dropped hard it's not uncommon for them to be broken, and I doubt they're cheap to replace.

Call me cynical, but I'd be extremely wary about a brake going that cheap.

**kwikfishron** · 10-19-2011, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jomama45

Call me cynical, but I'd be extremely wary about a brake going that cheap.

The price sounds about right to me for the age. That’s only an $800 brake new (today). The brakes most guys are using are $1200+.