I got my Metalpro Ironworker

[Hooked_on_HP]

I got my iron worker Wed. and got it assembled yesterday. I got to play this afternoon. I am impressed with how easy it does everything. I didn't even hear the pump groan and I was shearing some 1/4" 3x3 angle. I punched a bunch of holes from 1/4-3/4. So much faster and cleaner than drilling and the holes are exact. I bent up some brackets on some thin metal and found when trying to make a short bend I was better off using the V blocks from my Smithy insted of the lower die that came with it(last pic). When making bends where the ends will be over a 1.5" long the die that comes with it works perfect. I bent some 1/2"x1 flat steel without a problem. One thing I didn't realize is when cutting angle iron you loose a 1/2" of material every time you make a cut. Are other ironworkers like this?

 

[cranker]

Congrats on the new toy.. That is one sweet unit.

 

[Stimw]

Now that's timing!!! Nothing like a new machine and three days off.
Hydraulic machines take a slug out of the metal so you have to figure it into your cut.
Mechanical has a large flywheel and a trip clutch that when you step on the peddle it engages and the cutter makes a stroke/cut/punch. If you hold the peddle down it keeps stroking. The stroke is very fast too, if you change your mind IT'S TOO LATE!! Something is going to get cut! They are very dangerous. But they don't take a slug out.
I had a Buffalo Mechanical Ironworker before I got the two Scotchman and I could not wait to sell it. It was scarry.
If you don't know yet, if you center punch exactly where you want your hole punched then lower/jog the punch down a little the punch has a dimple that you can feel it into the center punched hole then continue punching and your hole is dead on.
If I just want a hole close I will make an X with chalk and punch close to the center.
As fast as these machines are they are also as dangerous. Try to get into the habit of double checking you operation before doing it. Hate to play the safety card but it can't hurt to bring it up. Be careful of the up swing too when bending metal, I jog down to hold my work, let go, then bend.

 

[rancherogt]

You will like the Ironworker I have worked with same machine at my shop for the last 5 years. And it has performed well just keep and eye on the dies when you punch soft metals and use some light lube when doing so.

Jay

 

[Hooked_on_HP]

Now that's timing!!! Nothing like a new machine and three days off.
Hydraulic machines take a slug out of the metal so you have to figure it into your cut.
Mechanical has a large flywheel and a trip clutch that when you step on the peddle it engages and the cutter makes a stroke/cut/punch. If you hold the peddle down it keeps stroking. The stroke is very fast too, if you change your mind IT'S TOO LATE!! Something is going to get cut! They are very dangerous. But they don't take a slug out.
I had a Buffalo Mechanical Ironworker before I got the two Scotchman and I could not wait to sell it. It was scarry.
If you don't know yet, if you center punch exactly where you want your hole punched then lower/jog the punch down a little the punch has a dimple that you can feel it into the center punched hole then continue punching and your hole is dead on.
If I just want a hole close I will make an X with chalk and punch close to the center.
As fast as these machines are they are also as dangerous. Try to get into the habit of double checking you operation before doing it. Hate to play the safety card but it can't hurt to bring it up. Be careful of the up swing too when bending metal, I jog down to hold my work, let go, then bend.

This machine is hydraulic control. it will only do 6-8 strokes per minute. You control the speed by how far you move the lever.You can stop at any time by releasing the lever. At the end of the stroke you raise the lever to return to the start position.
Bill

 

[JB4310]

Very useful looking machine, I could think of a few projects for it right off the top of my head.

Once the locals find out you have it, you'll be asked for some favors I'm sure

JB

 

[SPIKER]

The SLUG cut out of the angle must be specific to your type, as I have run 3 different machines, different brands and none of them has done this. you do have to pay attention to which side of the die you are measuring to.

Be sure not to punch heavy material with a small die, (1/4" hole in 1/2" material, will damage the punch part of the die.

you should keep a light oil, or water based lube on the dies when punching & cutting to help the dies live longer. We used pld parts cleaning brush & coffee can of water anit-rust metal working lube.
mark

 

[Scooby074]

Very nice toy tool. Youll be amazed at the uses you'll find for it. Its hard to beat punched holes for speed.

 

[toy]

About how much does a machine like that weigh? I've seen ads for them before in the weekly trader, great looking machine.

 

[Hooked_on_HP]

It weighs about 500lbs. I only get the slugs when cutting angle iron. I contacted MetalPro and they said it had to do this to keep both sides of the cut from distorting. I need to find a use for these now.