Handy Bend vs Swag 20 Ton Press Brake

[Luremaker]

After reading J_J's reply to another post where J_J linked to the handy bend brake web site. I thought WOW, I want one of those handy bend gadgets for my 20 ton shop press... that was until I found the price of $698. So I did a quick search for press brakes and found another post here on tbn referring to the Swag Press Brake Kit for $149. I say "kit" because it must be assembled and welded together.

I am sure many of you fabricators have large metal brakes but for us small time hobby fabricators a small press brake would be a nice addition to the metal shop.

Handy Bend | Shop Outfitters

20 TON Press Brake DIY Builder Kit

 

[dfkrug]

So I did a quick search for press brakes and found another post here on tbn referring to the Swag Press Brake Kit for $149. I say "kit" because it must be assembled and welded together.

I have not seen that DIY kit before. Very interesting at $149.

3 years ago, I made up my own brake for my 20T HF press, but it was a
bit different. I used a 1" thick plate with a V-groove cut into it for
the die, and the tool was a a 1/2" plate cut to a tapered edge. I did not
have additional retractor springs, as your photo shows, but I DID use
more side supports. I like how the DIY kit has a self-aligning feature. I
would buy it. Sorry, but I can't find any pix.

 

[JCByrd24]

The handy bend is sweet but would need to make/save me money right off to justify the cost. The swag kit is a decent deal, Northern sells a similar one ready to go for just a little more money if you don't have a welder.

I made one one for around $50 but only 6" width capacity and it won't do thin stuff well because I didn't make a V-block, just 2 hex bars a fixed distance apart. Thus, a swag I would consider if I had it to do again.

 

[kennyd]

I have not seen the "kits" either, very interesting-Thanks for posting about them:thumbsup:

 

[davedj1]

I built an 8" version , it bends 3/8" x 4" plate like butter with a 20 ton jack. I am in the process of making one similar to the swag kit (nice kit BTW)
I didn't have a press so I had to make a small frame, I am now making a large frame like a real press....LOL When I get done I will have a 24" brake like the swag.
Just keep in mind as the brake gets wider your material has to get thinner.
I built the first one to bend brackets for my jeep projects.
I just recently bought a 36" brake from TSC, it works great for light duty bending, my bro just bent some rocker panels for his nissan pickup

 

[Code54]

I built the Swag kit and it works great. No issues or problems at all. I would build/buy one again. Don's use it a lot but it is handy for little projects here and there. Worth the money if you ask me!

 

[Luremaker]

I built the Swag kit and it works great. No issues or problems at all. I would build/buy one again. Don's use it a lot but it is handy for little projects here and there. Worth the money if you ask me!

It's good to hear from someone who actually purchased the Swag Kit. I think it will be one of the next shop additions.

 

[Luremaker]

I built the Swag kit and it works great. No issues or problems at all. I would build/buy one again. Don's use it a lot but it is handy for little projects here and there. Worth the money if you ask me!

It's good to hear from someone who actually purchased the Swag Kit. I think it will be one of the next shop additions.

 

[scoops]

2nd on the swag kit.

I have one, and it works great. They also have an HD version out now that can bend 1/2" i think. Great product. Welded it up in a few minutes.

 

[crash325]

Just what I need - Another Project. Thanks guys :laughing::confused2: