I have both a 4 bar and a 6 bar set of forms......The 6 bar system lets you stack the forms without additional clips .If I was buying a set now I would go with the 6 bar system. Good Luck....
Totally agree, plus:
6 bars are alot stronger, less bowing, last longer, less chance of broken ties (you DO NOT want broken ties!), easy transition from 4' to 8', or 9'4", or 5'4", or 2'8", etc.....
Keep in mind when pricing forms, you'll probably spend alot more on fractions, corners, whalers, turnbuckles, line-up brackets, etc.. than you will on full 24" panels.
I've set Symons a few times in my life, & they may be more common & a hair lighter, but I still prefer the Advance system. All hardware stays attached to the forms, making them fairly swift to set. Another plus is they mend well with 2x lumber for the not-so-normal jobs, as it seems like your getting into, meaning less sacrifice to the forms.
BTW, my dad bought his first set (which are 4 bars) in 1978-79. We also had some "Duraforms" thru the years, which were the same exact form, but I believe they were made in Canada. May be why they are somewhat common in your area. Definately not common in my area, but when I've been in Madison (about 1.5 hours away), I've seen a lot of crews through the years with them.
My brother decided to get into poured walls about 5-6 years ago & I helped talk him into the 6 bars. He's now happy he made that decision after all the years setting the 4 bars & the problems with the occasional blowouts.
As for pricing, I couldn't even quess anymore. Call Advance (tell Tom I siad HI :laughing
& have them send a price sheet. As I recall, they have good deals off retail for large quantities.
Good Luck!
