new brake - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

mnjconstruction · 03-03-2009, 06:53 PM

I'm getting ready to purchase a new metal brake in the next few weeks. My last one I had was a used 10'van mark. It worked but was pretty worn out and was on its last leg. I only paid 400 bucks for it and used it the last 3 years, so i got my moneys worth, but it time for a new one. Sold the old brake today for 200 bucks!Just wondering what kind/brand you guys have. Any info on these would help out alot. Thanks!

**loneframer** · 03-03-2009, 06:59 PM

I have a Malco 10'er, good machine, only dislike is when the jaws are locked the handle is upright and gets in the way of large bends beyond 90 degrees. The Van Mark locks down out of the way. Both are nice machines, the Malco was 40% cheaper at the time. (1997)

gillisonconstru · 03-03-2009, 07:12 PM

I have the Tapco Pro 19 it is in my oppionion the best brake available at this current time a lil bigger than the standard but 19" throat depth is awesome.

**loneframer** · 03-03-2009, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gillisonconstru

I have the Tapco Pro 19 it is in my oppionion the best brake available at this current time a lil bigger than the standard but 19" throat depth is awesome.

My Tapcos only a 12" throat, but 19", thats a deep troat!

mnjconstruction · 03-04-2009, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gillisonconstru

I have the Tapco Pro 19 it is in my oppionion the best brake available at this current time a lil bigger than the standard but 19" throat depth is awesome.

I checked on the price of a van mark and I can get a new one for 1300 at my local hardware store, how much is the tapco?

Gary H · 03-04-2009, 10:42 AM

All vanmarks here. They along with Tapco are made here in MI. Craigs list has brakes for sale all the time. Builders buying them when times were good and now are dumping them . The last two I bought I paid $500 apeice for them. I did have a Tapco And just sold it. I didn't like it. But my roofer that bought it also said it was the best brake he ever used.

Gary H · 03-04-2009, 12:38 PM

Vanmark has a new brake that has a 20 3/8'' throat. No idea what it costs.

gillisonconstru · 03-04-2009, 06:27 PM

The reason I went with the Tapco was the hemming capability. The 19" throat depth. I think I gave around $1200.00 for mine I dont regret it at all. It was a great investment.

maceycon · 03-04-2009, 07:30 PM

I have a Tapco Pro 19. My only issue with it is there are no adjustments and it no longer holds the metal tight on 1 end. The old Tapco's were adjustable. I have never owned anything but Tapco. I would buy another 1 if I had to. The 19 is heavy also.

gillisonconstru · 03-05-2009, 07:19 PM

As far as adjustments you can increase and decrease your spring pressure with the set screws on the top....I figure you know this but was clarifiying.