May. 27, 2024
Before purchasing the "KASTFORCE KF5002 Steel Bending Brake Sheet Metal Bender 28 Inch," I came across some mixed reviews on Amazon. While there were noted issues, they seemed manageable with a bit of effort. I figured that if I put some time into addressing minor problems, I'd end up with a valuable addition to my shop at a reasonable price.
Like several others, my unit arrived with two broken knobs and an improperly threaded handle. Fortunately, the main unit was in good condition. I reached out to KASTFORCE, and Nancy from customer service immediately arranged for replacement knobs and handles without requiring me to return the original parts. Although it took a couple of weeks for the replacements to arrive, I was satisfied with the customer service experience.
The brake was mounted on a wooden board, wrapped in plastic, and then boxed in cardboard. Additionally, it was coated in oil to prevent oxidation. Some parts, especially around the threads, bolts, and springs related to the hold-down bar, were a bit gritty. While waiting for the replacements, I cleaned and lubricated everything, applying a coat of T-9 Boeshield for extra protection.
Once cleaned and with the new handles and knobs in place, the tool was ready for action. I used it to create a replacement part for my outdoor grill, manipulating 25" wide, 0.1" thick aluminum with multiple bends of different angles. The tool functioned well, and I was pleased with the results. Conveniently, the size allowed me to clamp it onto my table saw, providing a sturdy base during use.
I can recommend this tool if you set your expectations appropriately. The knobs and handles might pose issues, but from my experience, customer support will address any problems. Be prepared to spend some time on clean-up and lubrication before its first use. Once these initial issues are resolved, the brake performs well and offers good value for the price. I only wish I could find an affordable metal shear that meets these standards.
The problem with the broken knobs appears to be design-related. Tightening the knobs too firmly can cause them to break because the handle rod can push against the inside far side of the plastic knob due to inadequate internal stops. To mitigate this, thread a nut onto the handle shaft to act as a stop limit, preventing the knob from being overtightened. Alternatively, better quality control over the handle thread depth could resolve this issue entirely.
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As a steel furniture fabricator in Colorado, my business has grown to where I need to transition from a one-off fab shop to a production shop. I frequently use symmetrical Eames era hairpin bends in my pieces. Currently, I rely on a manual bender for most bends, but it is time-consuming and imprecise. My materials include 1/2" cold rolled round, 3/8" cold rolled round, and 1/2" square bar. The current process involves cutting material to length, marking the center point, aligning it in the bender, making the bend, ensuring the 'legs' are even, trimming if necessary, and then jigging and welding. Ideally, the process would be: cut material, slide it against a stop in the bender, pull the lever, and then jig and weld. Objectives are accuracy, repeatability, and affordability.
My initial design uses a double-acting hydraulic cylinder to pull the forming die through two adjustable rollers, allowing the material to bend away from the operator and cylinder. Handling spring back in cold rolled steel is a consideration I am still figuring out.
Seeking feedback on my design, if there are fundamental flaws, I'd like to understand why. Thank you for your input.
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