[bbierman]

Other than a pair of snips, a carbide blade on a table saw, and a small band saw, our team doesn't have any tools for working with sheet metal. I'm wondering if anyone has any recommendations for what we should acquire as I'm largely ignorant of what's out there.

Three tools I've come across are a press brake, a shear, and a slip roll. They look pretty straightforward, but I have no experience. Harbor Freight has a 30" all-in-one model for $400. Would we be smart to get one? Does anyone have any experience to share?

Another tool I've found is a bead roller. Eastwood has one for $150. Harbor Freight also has an economy model for a bit more. It looks like one could use thinner sheets of aluminum, and create the rigidity of a thicker sheet using this tool, but without the extra weight. Does anyone have any experience to share?