| Do you like to tinker with metalwork? Do you | | | | simple, manual sheet metal brakes. These can be |
| want to be able to repair your roof, or other | | | | had from under fifty bucks for light work (like |
| parts of your home? Maybe you like to race cars | | | | those doll-house stairs), and up to several hundred |
| or dirt-bikes in your spare time? | | | | bucks, if you want to bend heavier gauge |
| If you can answer "yes" to any or all of the | | | | materials or make large/long objects. |
| above, chances are you need to look into sheet | | | | A new machine is always better, if you can |
| metal brakes. What are they? They are tools to | | | | afford the type and size you want. You get a |
| bend sheet metal. Pure and simple. Have you ever | | | | machine that is not worn or damaged, and has a |
| tried bending a piece of sheet metal by sticking it | | | | warranty. If you do not have the cash for your |
| in a vice and pulling on it, or beating on it with a | | | | desired model though, you might want to look |
| hammer? Did that make you think that maybe | | | | into buying a second hand machine. That is a |
| there was a better way? The sheet metal brake | | | | great way to get high quality on a low budget, as |
| rides to the rescue. | | | | sheet metal brakes are usually simple and sturdy |
| This simple piece of machinery can help you to: | | | | machines that will last for many years. The |
| - Replace a copper or aluminum gutter on your | | | | simplicity also means that it is easy to see if a |
| roof. Gutters are just narrow pieces of sheet | | | | used machine has problems. A visual inspection in |
| metal with parallel bends. | | | | combination with common sense does the trick |
| - Do bodywork on that weekend-racing car or | | | | just fine. |
| dirt-bike, and save substantial amounts of money. | | | | Check this when buying used: |
| - Fabricate parts for rc-cars, planes, boats. | | | | - Does it have rust on the critical parts? |
| - Make fancy brass stairs for your daughters | | | | - Do moving parts appear to be well-oiled? |
| doll-house. | | | | - Is anything bent, broken or chipped? |
| - The list goes on | | | | - Is there any warranty left on the machine? |
| All of the above tasks can be carried out on | | | | Happy hunting! |