Am looking to purchase an aluminum brake. Have been researching Tapco and Vanmark brands. I like certain features of each product. Any help would be appreciated. Are there any others I should consider? Is a 12’6″ too big? I only do a couple of siding and/or window jobs a year.
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Replies
12'6 is huge, and heavy. Most guys stick to the 10'6, which works out for most windows and garage doors(have to do 2 piece heads for 16' doors anyway)
Whenever I need the extra length of a 12'6, which is few and far between, they have one set up at the siding distribiutor for anyone to use when needed, just bring in your coil and bend there.
I've got a Tapco, and love it.(Pro III)
I bought a Tapco Pro III, 10' 6" this year. Liked some of the qualities of both also but Tapco is more readily available. I found if you call around to most of the siding distributors they have as good a deal as the web and no shipping cost. DanT
Got the Van Mark I I have the 8.5' since I only do windows and doors, I sub out siding jobs. It's a good size for my needs and fits in my truck. It's built to withstand a war, very well made. Also have the "Quick Score" which is a must have.
http://www.van-mark.com/vanmarksite/homepage/VanMarkHome.html"One measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions"
I've had several Tapcos and a Vanmark. May have just been the model I had, but the Vanmark needed to be tuned more frequently. The 12' breaks are a bear to transport. I've currently got a 10' Tapco Black Max with the wheels and it's still a lot of trouble to move, but the 19" throat is necessary for the type of work I do.
ya know, i'd heard they were phasing out asbestos in brakes but have the enviro-weenies got us down to using aluminum now? geez, what kinda mileage you gonna get with a set of those, even with hard-coat anodize? two or three blocks? you got discs or drums?
m
Gimme a brake!!Mr T
Do not try this at home!
I am an Experienced Professional!
smd -- I'm looking to sell my brake. Where are you located? I'm in central NJ.
Shep ..
I always looking to buy! What ya got?
From there to PA shouldn;t be much in shipping ...
I'm looking for a 10 footer ... I can lift that myself ...
not that I'd rule out a good 12 ..... for the right price .. I can lift that too!
JeffBuck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
Jeff-- if you're interested, I've got an older 10'6" brake that stiil works just fine, a 1-1/2 HP electric ladder hoist, and some other stuff. If you are interested, e-mail me at rshep @ comcast.net and we'll talk.