I bought a model 5216 Three in One machine from Shane and just got it set up today. I built a roll around frame out of 2" X 2" X 1/8" square tubing with casters and two jacks on it to stabilize it when using it. This unit is not cheap but it is built heavy duty, not like the Harbor Freight units. It is rated for 16 gauge steel, 52 inches wide! I sheared a piece of 18 ga., 24 inches wide and got a nice straight cut. Then, I put a 90 degree bend in it and it came out nice and crisp. I haven't used the roller but I see no reason it won't work as well. The rolls are heavy. The reason I sprung for this machine is compactness. It takes up no more room than a stomp shear or a brake and it does all three functions. For me, that is perfect. It also has removable fingers on the brake, so you can do pan brakes. The sucker is heavy, 1200 pounds shipping. So, make sure you can handle it. I had it shipped to work, where we offloaded it with a forklift and put it on my trailer. Then, I used my two post lift to lift it up out of the trailer. I talked to one other HAMB'er before buying this and he liked his. (I'm sorry I can't remember his handle but he was very nice to give me some detailed feedback and answer my questions.) This won't be for everybody but if you are like me and want the funtionality that this machine provides and need to do it in limited space, check with Shane at Baileigh. Oh yeah, you get a HAMB Alliance discount, too.
I have been searching Craigslist for a used shear and brake. Started looking at new and decided the prices were out of my budget. I knew that HF had a three-in-one machine, but poor quality IMHO. Been running around to several friends and use their machines, what a PITA. Have to get one just for the convenience. Did not realize that Baleigh had this machine. Will have to check it out.
That tool looks awesome. I want one. If i need to do any cutting i use the one at either of the two salt mines that i visit on a very regular basis. But, look at that garage. My wife says that my garage is clean. I don't think so.
The fit and finish on yours looks nicer than a "Harbor Enco Northern Jet". I have the 52" also. When I got mine I took everything apart. Cleaned and "Never-Seized" all of the ways surfaces. I have my blades gapped to .002 from left to right. Its also nice to have a "catch-all" tray in back for the shear drops. Mine just has a back stop for the shear. I came up with a movable back-gauge for the brake. Use a BBQ grille cover for storage. I wish you could get gooseneck 83 degree punches for the brake.
Mine just has a back gauge. BBQ grille cover is a great idea! Thanks, I also need to set the gap on the blade and will do so.
Hey, I'm jus curious, did Baileigh spec. any mounting surface? Are the sides of the machine's frame made from cast iron or steel plate? It's probably not a biggie if you only plan on working 19-22 gauge sheet, but I'd think you'd want a surface to mount the machine to that will take up torsional forces so that the frame of the machine doesn't. Your tube frame looks great from a ''display'' standpoint, but may flex some when you're shearing or bending 16-18 c.r.s.................maybe it's just the photo, and not really an issue? That's one cool lookin machine, however " Humpty Dumpty was pushed "
I found another trick when bending 16ga (.062). My 90 degree bends tend to be good on the ends but under bent in the center. This is due to the lack of "crown" in the bed, upper beam, or both. Since your brake has very little "open Height" its hard to measure the crown. SO, my trick was to cut up some .005 thick shim strips only a few inches long. Bend the strips and then just leave them in the die (in center where part underbends). Lay your work piece on top of the shim and then bend your part. This is based on you having a 3/4" lower vee die, and 16 ga. material, then every .005 shim added to die brings your part up one more degree.
One more thing and then I will leave you alone. It takes 2.3 tons of force to bend 1 foot of 16ga. mild steel across your 3/4" vee die. It takes 1.7 tons to force to bend 1 foot of 20ga. mild steel across your 3/4" vee die. Thats why those grease fittings are everywhere. My 3n1 is only a 20ga., capacity but after using it for years, you get a feel for its strength. I have bent up to 16ga. and sheared ONLY 20ga. You should have 4 edge blades which can be flipped 4 times. Remember the critical rule when you get your blades sharpened. Grind them thinner NOT shorter. You can adjust the blade gap (thickness) but not easily the blade height.
No. They didn't spec anything in regards to mounting. I just checked the frame. It did draw a little from the welding but it is stiff. The slightest lift from the jack in the center raises the casters. The photo definitely is exaggerating the slight bow in the bottom of the frame. Sides are cast and are 1 3/4" thick at the web. I don't think I can exert enough torque with my 200 pounds to flex this frame enough to hurt anything. The center portion is boxed and is 24" wide.
Realkustom51 - thanks for all the tips! They are good and will be useful, I'm sure. After viewing your profile, I will definitely take everything you said to heart..
About $1900 plus shipping with your HAMB Alliance discount. Not cheap but then neither is a shear, pan brake and roll purchased individually.
Heres mine pushed against the wall. I'd say its about 15 years old. Its an old ENCO. Picked it up from Enco back when they had a store in Atlanta Ga.
I sheared some 4 foot widths of 18 ga and 20 ga today with no problem whatsoever. I also used the press brake to make a tool tote out of 20 ga. I didn't have anything else I could do since my compressor motor starter crapped out. The fingers on the press brake give you a lot of flexibility.
Harber freight has a the same combo unit that looks almost the same as the one shown it this thread. I have one and it doe's everything I need . Sure a 8 foot break would be nice and all the other tools that I want but this was rite in my budget around $300.00 dollars and works realy great
This will shear and brake 16 ga steel, 52" wide. Try that with you HF 3 in 1 and get back to me. . This machine is much bigger and much more heavy duty. It weighs almost 1200 pounds. You are not comparing apples to apples. If the HF machine is all you need, good for you. It did not fill my bill.
How is this tool holding up for you? Does anyone know if it's any different that the Grizzly 52 inch 3 in 1 that is a bit cheaper? I'm thinking it is time for me to get something like this. Thanks, Joel
Yes would like to know how is holding up as well. Also if you have had to work with Baileigh's service department.
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