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Tapco or Van Mark?

| Posted in General Discussion on March 16, 2002 06:23am

*
Hello folks,

I’m a residential building/remodeling contractor in the market for a metal brake. Somehow I’ve managed to avoid getting one during my 25 years in business…always buying woodworking tools and not really “into” metal. I’m tired of having to make do with what I can find at the lumber yard, or calling one of my brake-blessed friends, so it’s time to open the wallet. What do you folks think…Tapco or Van Mark? 8′-6″ or 10′-6″? Any tips on the best mail order price? I’m in Tennessee, between Nashville and Chattanooga. Thanks for the info.

Travis

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Replies

  1. Keith_C | Mar 10, 2002 10:56pm | #1

    *
    Tapco Pro III...10'6"(can break 9" garage door trim in one piece, which you can't on the 8'6") Buy locally through sidng dealers on their annual "spring tool day" sales.

    1. Don_Papenburg | Mar 11, 2002 12:55am | #2

      *I have a Van Mark ,Have used Tapco I think ether will do a good job . Buy the one with the best deal . I got mine $200 off because the guy that had it didn't like it and returned it . Check your local dealers for super deals. Don

      1. Cal_Howard | Mar 11, 2002 01:01am | #3

        *Tapco 10'-6" Get the feed roller and the cutter. The cutter pays for itself instantly.

        1. Dustin_ | Mar 11, 2002 04:50am | #4

          *I have used a Van Mark for years and swear by them. I've spent enough time in front of the Tapco also, but the winner is Van Mark.

          1. Travis_Turner | Mar 12, 2002 01:50am | #5

            *Keith, Thanks for the tip; I'd overlooked garage doors when considering brake length. I'll get the 10'-6".Travis

          2. Travis_Turner | Mar 12, 2002 01:51am | #6

            *Don, Thanks. Seems like Tapco is the most used.Travis

          3. Travis_Turner | Mar 12, 2002 01:52am | #7

            *Cal, I was going to get the cutter, but not the feed roller. Do you think it'd be worthwhile for occasional use? Thanks.Travis

          4. Travis_Turner | Mar 12, 2002 01:54am | #8

            *Dustin, Thanks for the input. Just curious...what is it about the Van Mark that you like better? I've heard good things about them too, be never any real specifics. Since you've used both, you probably have the inside scoop. Thanks.Travis

          5. Cal_Howard | Mar 12, 2002 02:35am | #9

            *Travis Get the feed. It cross cuts with the same cutter. It's very difficult to feed long pieces by hand as they want to slip out and deform. I would not consider using the tool without it. Thee ability to cut to length before you bend is great. I found that the feed needs support with anything over 30# or so. Also the unit is set up for aluminum rolls. By fiddling with the position of the rollers a full roll sits on top of the rollers and feeds in. You won't regret it! good luck, cal

          6. Don_Papenburg | Mar 12, 2002 04:08am | #10

            *The feed and cutter would be great tools .I have made rudimentary cutters and feeders for my break . They will save a lot of time even if used very little. Don

          7. brisketbean3 | Mar 12, 2002 06:20am | #11

            *I have the van mark 12' 6" brake that will brake 24 gauge metal and seam 26 gauge metal. I do a lot of metal roofing and like the ability to brake longer pieces of trim. I have never regreted having the longer lenghth.

          8. Travis_Turner | Mar 12, 2002 03:37pm | #12

            *Folks, Do any of you know of a mail-order or internet site with good prices? I've searched and found one place with a better price than Tool Crib, but the shipping difference about equaled it out again. Looking for a 10'-6" Tapco. Thanks.Travis

          9. Dustin_ | Mar 15, 2002 06:17am | #13

            *The advantage I have found w/ the Van Mark is that the clamping works unevenly. You can lock one end and slightly adjust the other to exactly where you want it. The Tapco snaps into place, locking your stock where you set it even if it's not where you intended, and adjusting usually bumps both ends out of whack alittle. That time eventually leads to $, not to mention all the additional head turning to get it right before you lock it in.

          10. Travis_Turner | Mar 16, 2002 06:23am | #14

            *Dustin, I understand. The little things like that make all the difference. Thanks.Travis

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