I am looking at doing a few small projects over the next few years and was thinking about buying a small workbench brake

does anyone have any experience with the Eastwood line of products?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: nhtagmember,

Depends on what you are doing.
Higher capacity is usually better. If you're only doing a few things, a friend with higher quality tools and materials is better and experience is best.
Otherwise, watch videos on the type of things you want to do and try to find the various tricks of the trade.

as a former avionics tech who spent a lot of my early career rebuilding panels and doing installations, I'm comfortable in doing what I need to do for these projects

its not a tips and tricks post

I've always had access to equipment from my shop in the past and never paid much attention to the brands, but now I'm looking at picking up a few items

so my current wish item is a bending brake - 12" working width is fine - I don't think my bench can support the space for a 24" brake at this point

trying to avoid Harbor Freight, also the brake from Grainger although very nice is no longer available because its Chinese

Consider industrial auctions. Sometimes you may find good deals.

Start Here.
http://www.metalmeet.com/

Autobody Toolmart, good company to deal with. https://www.autobodytoolmart.c...uct/12-box-pan-brake

I would think any of the small 12" brakes would serve you well.

The last one by Grizzly is very reasonably priced.

https://www.autobodytoolmart.c...uRUK1LhoC7sEQAvD_BwE

https://www.kakaindustrial.com...es-sheet-metal-brake

https://www.grizzly.com/produc...-and-box-brake/g0556

I do a lot of aircraft sheet metal work. I use full size brakes and shears for everything, but it really depends on the size of what you're going to do.

You can pick up simple stuff at Harbor freight.

I have used some Eastwood tools but nothing in metal fab.

I did go to their store and did look at some of the metal fab stuff while looking at other items.

Not top notch but not Harbor Freight.

I’d trust it for sure for small projects.

How would this be for you?
Baileigh tools

awesome links guys - thanks a lot....

exactly what I was after

Another type to consider for a home shop type of tool is a shear, brake, roll. Here's one for about the same price but I've never heard of this company.
I'm sure at this price point they are all 20 Ga. and made in China but this type would give you a lot more potential versatility and uses in a small footprint.

https://www.vevor.com/products...-w--YyYaAjTFEALw_wcB

^^^ We bought one like that for small sheet metal work here on the job. IMO, it didn't do any of the three very well.

The thing was too sloppy & lacked decent adjustment.

You might look at some of the Chicom Harbor Freight stuff.
I bought a couple items for my shop and my uses is the same as yours (OP) basically.
I got a sheet metal bender (brake) and a hand guided shear.
I still would like to get a straight cut off shear as well.
Out of room in the garage.

OK, I narrowed it down to between the Grizzly and the Eastwood

ended up with the Eastwood as they gave me free shipping whereas Grizzly was $150 in freight

should have it mid next week

thanks for everyone's advice

quick update

delivery was originally scheduled for end of the day on Wednesday the 24th

tracking info from FedEx said said it was out

at 630, the tracking number magically disappeared and for 8 hours, nothing showed up under tracking

I figured that nothing would happen on the 25th, maybe get a delivery on the 26th, tracking said it was pushed out to December 2

it arrived at 830PM Sunday night

I have no idea how FedEx can track anything....

but I have it, and it looks great

I just saw a video about the Founder and Owner of Grizzly, turns out he's a champion shooter, and an immigrant who became an American Citizen. I found it to be quite interesting. The guy on the left, Eric Cortina, is the owner of Texas Barndominiums who decided to take up shooting at a high level.

Here is a link to the interview: LINK