Sheet metal fabrication tools

[Mike Marandola]

Grizzly makes a few sheet metal combo machines. They are import machines as well but I have found that their quality is much better than HF. Anyone have any experience with the Grizzly 3-in-1 machines?

[bbierman]

The Grizzly 3-in-one models look identical to the HF model, but the price indicates a better quality. They're out of our budget this coming season, but possibly next year. They still only cut 22-20 ga. mild steel. How does that translate to the much softer aluminum? 18-16 ga.?

[Mike Marandola]

Originally Posted by bbierman

The Grizzly 3-in-one models look identical to the HF model, but the price indicates a better quality. They're out of our budget this coming season, but possibly next year. They still only cut 22-20 ga. mild steel. How does that translate to the much softer aluminum? 18-16 ga.?

I am not sure because we rarely use sheet under an 1/8", but it should be noted that steel is slightly thicker than aluminum of the same gauge. See here

[bbierman]

Thanks Art. Do you, or anyone, have any thing to share about bead rollers in general? My assumption is that one can use it to add rigidity to thinner sheets of aluminum without adding weight. Am I correct in this? Once again, I have no experience in sheet metal work aside from repairing/replacing flashing on my roof.