Sheet metal fabrication tools

[bbierman]

Originally Posted by Wayne Doenges

Remember sheet aluminum usually comes in 48" widths. A 30" shear won't work.
You need a very good shear. If the blade moves even a little bit, the shear turns into a shear/bend
If you get a break, be sure it comes with different width blades. You can mix them up for different width bends. You also need a good flat piece of steel to align the blades whe you set them up.
You also might consider a good flange plier. These are used for short bends but also can be used to straighten wavy bends.

Thanks Wayne. I just got off the phone with a metal fabricator in Bakersfield, CA. He said he might have some old machines that he could donate. Hope it all pans out.