Replies

1. 
   jayzog | Mar 05, 2006 06:53pm | #1

   I think the Van Mark is a little sturdier.

   I have the Tapco because I like having the 19" throat depth and Van Mark will only go to 14".

   Either one is fine for aluminum or 16 oz copper.

1. 
   danski0224 | Mar 05, 2006 07:05pm | #2

   I noticed the different throat depths also. However, I am not sure if that is a huge issue if the tool is used for trim work and not panel roofing.

   The coil keeper on the Tapco seems to be a bit better engineered than the VM system, but no side by side comparison was involved.

   The VM gutter cover system looks interesting, though.

   I agree that the VM brake seems to be a sturdier design, but I have only seen a 4' version by itself.

1. 
   MikeSmith | Mar 05, 2006 09:13pm | #3

   our VM is  a 10' 6 from 1982 ( new )... just bought a new nose so i can use all the new assy's

   hard to say which  i'd buy today , but i've never regretted the VMMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

2. 
   mrmojo | Mar 06, 2006 12:07am | #4

   i like the tapco myself if for nothing else but the wieght

    

    

   theres alot to be said for throat depth too though lol

   Due to recent budget cuts the light at the end of the tunnel will be turned off until further notice.
1. 
   donpapenburg | Mar 06, 2006 06:02am | #5

   I have a Van Mark 10-6  only regret is not getting the 12-6  .   But it would be nice to have a deep throat.  But when I bought mine everyone had the same throat depth.  I liked the old old  tapco that we had at the roofing co. in the 70s  it had a 1/2 apron . made wraping old windows a brease.

3. 
   seeyou | Mar 06, 2006 12:57pm | #6

   I've had both - not much difference. When I've needed parts, the Tapco people were a little easier to deal with. Having the 19" throat is a plus, but I thought Vanmark made a 19" model as well. Kind of like having too large of a garage - if you have it you'll use it. They both make light duty and heavy duty models.

   Birth, school, work, death.....................

   http://grantlogan.net/

1. 
   GJR | Mar 06, 2006 02:42pm | #7

   Have both and currently looking to sell the 12'6" Tapco which is listed in the classifieds.    Both are well made and you won't go wrong with either one. 

      The Tapco's cut off tool is smooth, faster and easy to use,  one pass and your done. Very clean cut. 

       VanMarks cut off tool scores the material as you pass over it then you bend it to break it.  Works very well.    Overall Van Mark is definitely a more substantially made brake."Don't take life too seriously, you are not getting out of it alive"

1. 
   danski0224 | Mar 07, 2006 06:31am | #10

   Too bad it is on the East Coast...

1. 
   huddledmass | Mar 07, 2006 09:09am | #11

   is the "windy" brake worth considering?"I hate quotations.  Tell me what you know"  Ralph Waldo Emerson

1. 
   danski0224 | Mar 07, 2006 01:43pm | #12

   The Windy model seems to be a very basic, entry level piece of equipment.

2. 
   Hazlett | Mar 07, 2006 03:18pm | #13

    the  " windy" is perfect---for some operations.

    all I have EVER used is a "windy"------- but I generally only use it to bend chimnney and valley flashing. Occasionally I will use it to bend window trim or Fascia.

    I would NOT suggest the Windy if  you are   going to do a LOT of siding work.

    If you are only going  to use it occasionally---or are only going to do a few simple bends--- it is a very worthwhile, usefull tool. I keep one on my truck at all times--- it's quite manageable for one man to load and unload every day if needed.

    Stephen

4. 
   JohnSprung | Mar 07, 2006 04:08am | #8

   Tapco has two lines, Pro and Max, Max being the heavy duty one. 

   I got a Max to do my copper roof.  It's supposed to be good up to 32 oz., but I find that that's really a stretch.  It's fine for 16 oz, but on 32 you'd better be doing short pieces, like 3-4 ft. max.  For narrow bends, progressive pre-bending was the only way to do 8 ft. lengths for my gutters. 

   With the rubber flapper on the bottom and the loose sheet stainless cover on the top, it can be a challenge to work with much accuracy.  It also arrived with a bit of curvature, the middle is about 1/8" deeper than the ends.

   The cutter is nice for narrow stuff, but for slitting 18" pans from 36" stock, it's a real challenge to reach and not kink the outboard piece.  Heaven help you if you ever get it off the track on a cut.  Also, it's a bear on 32 oz. to push. 

   If I had it to do over, I'd probably try Van Mark, if only to see what the differences are. 

    

    

   -- J.S.

    

1. 
   seeyou | Mar 07, 2006 05:15am | #9

   Most people that buy portable brakes are using them mostly for aluminum. I usually bend two 16 oz copper sheets at a time when doing production runs in my stationary brake and that takes a lot of butt muscle. I can't imagine bending 32 oz in a portable brake ( I currently have a Max). You've pushed your brake to the max and it seems like it performed reasonably.
   No matter what brand, you have to constantly tune brakes to keep them performing well. Not directed at you John, just adding info.Birth, school, work, death.....................

   http://grantlogan.net/