Replies

1. 
   xMikeSmith | Mar 28, 2004 06:11pm | #1

   take a close look  at TapCo... or VanMark and see if you can use their plastic edge..

   i've never seen J-Co.. but a lot of the extrusions take the same edge

   Mike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

1. 
   CarpenterPJE | Mar 29, 2004 02:02am | #2

   I've got a brand new Tapco & that edge is different. I'll go see the VanMark this week & check it out. Seems to me that you may be right about it being the same.

   I know that the VanMark looks alot like my J-brake.

   I bought my J-brake used from a estate of a old siding guy 17 years ago for $400.00 & made thousands on aluminum jobs in that time, it still works really good.

   I always keep my brakes out of the weather, cleaned & lubed. I have someone that wants my J-brake & has offered me $350.00 for it. Not a bad investment.

   My new Tapco is really nice with all the bells & whistles

   Thanks for the input

   PJE

1. 
   xMikeSmith | Mar 29, 2004 02:53am | #3

   PJ... i have the Van Mark.. and i want to get the new edge so i can buy the slitter / cut-off..

    my 10'6" Van Mark is about 15 years old so i need the new front  ( about $250 )  and the slitter / cut-off is another $280 or so..

    guess what ?  i have the Tapco cut off wheel.. i found one on the side of the road ..

    if you know anyone who wants one.. i'll sell if for half   plus shipping

   i have a dedicated slitter... but it doesn 't seem as convenient as the brake mounted slitter Mike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

1. 
   CarpenterPJE | Mar 30, 2004 12:48pm | #4

   Mike,

   You made a good find, If I lost my cut off wheel I'd still be crying. I assuming it fell off somone's truck, I just wonder if it still works.

   The Tapco set up is sweet,  Coil holder on the right end, slitter doubles as a cut off tool & the brake has a 18" deep throat.  So far I have $1500.00 into mine. Next thing I'm thinking of getting is the "Brake Buddy", forms alum to cover brick molding.

   I,m going to look at the Van Mark today to look at the plastic edge.

   That Tapco cut off tool you found I think cost around $250.00-$260.00 if I'm not mistaken

   Be Good

   PJE.

1. 
   sdr25 | Mar 31, 2004 04:58pm | #5

   Definitely check with Tapco!

    

   They do have rebuild kits for the old J-brake (style) it sells for about $75Scott R.

2. 
   CarpenterPJE | Apr 01, 2004 11:52am | #6

   Scott.

   Thanks for the info, I'll talk to my supplier today.

   PJE

3. 
   DanT | Apr 01, 2004 12:48pm | #7

   Mike,

   I want the cut off wheel.  [email protected].  Drop the one and you have my email.  Let me know your address and the price and I will put the check in the mail.  (how many times you heard that one?)  DanT

4. 
   xMikeSmith | Apr 01, 2004 12:55pm | #8

   dan..... help me out here.... what cut-off wheel ?Mike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

5. 
   DanT | Apr 02, 2004 02:35am | #9

   Mike,

   In your post, #4, you said "guess what, I have a cut off wheel for a tapco, found it along side of the road, if you know someone who needs it will sell for half plus shipping." 

   Did I miss something?  I thought you were offering to sell a cut off wheel for a tapco break and I was saying that I have a tapco break and can use it. 

   I re-read it and can't see what I mis read but then again maybe I just mis understood.  DanT

6. 
   xMikeSmith | Apr 02, 2004 03:33am | #10

   duh... that cut-off wheel.....

   absolutely.. i was just getting ready to sell it on e-bay...

    but gimme half  and i'll pay the shipping.. let me take a picture of it tomorrow so you can judge it's condition..

   i can't test it without a tapco brake so...Mike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

7. 
   DanT | Apr 02, 2004 05:05am | #12

   Mike,

   Good, I was worried that I was loosing it lol.  Just send the figure and I'll send you a check.  I have only seen one once at a show and wouldn't know what to look for so I will bow to your expertise.  If it doesn't fit or work on my break we can talk about it after we find out.  DanT

8. 
   xMikeSmith | Apr 02, 2004 05:06am | #13

   ok.. i'll see what i can do

   Mike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

9. 
   xMikeSmith | Apr 02, 2004 05:40am | #15

   dan.. email me your address and tel # at

        [email protected]

   Mike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

   Edited 4/1/2004 10:41 pm ET by Mike Smith

10. 
    xMikeSmith | Apr 03, 2004 01:43am | #17

    Dan...... here's a listing on Amazon.. for the Pro Cut-off model # 10379

    $269..

    half that and i pay the shipping

    http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/3116121/103-7488462-6714252Mike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

11. 
    JohnSprung | Apr 03, 2004 03:17am | #18

    Tapco makes two versions of the brake, and two versions of the cutoff.  IIRC, they're called Pro and Max.  IIRC, Pro is good up to 16 oz. copper, and Max up to 32 oz. copper.  Not sure about using one kind of cutter on the other kind of brake.  Probably a good idea to check the Tapco web site before spending time and money on shipping.

    -- J.S.

12. 
    DanT | Apr 03, 2004 03:58am | #19

    Mike,

    E mail me your address so I can send the check.  DanT

13. 
    xMikeSmith | Apr 03, 2004 04:11am | #20

    dan... ok .. but i don't like the BT email service.. email me at

    [email protected]  

    and i'll reply to thatMike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

2. 
   remodelerdw | Apr 02, 2004 03:35am | #11

   Stupid question,

   I'm not a siding guy.  What all do you guys use brakes for?  I see the 12' models in tool crib, and I can picture using it for flashing brick, but can't visualize what flashing needs would take that piece of equipment.

   thanks,

   remodeler

1. 
   xMikeSmith | Apr 02, 2004 05:10am | #14

   remod.. we use our brake for bending flashings.. roof work.. windows... siding . you name it. we do a lot of exposed flashings in our remodeling..

    the old bright aluminum bent on a 2x4 just  doesn't cut it..

   we bend coil stock aluminum in various colors,  we bend cold rolled copper , lead-coat copper.. and so forth

   most guys that have one have a  a 10' - 6" modelMike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

2. 
   USAnigel | Apr 02, 2004 06:16am | #16

   I am sure many would rate capping with vinyl siding but I would be happy to see something in Fine hombuilding on the best ways of capping.