Shop sheet metal brake - Newbie over here

I'm in the market for a heavy duty industrial brake. Something that can handle 24 gauge Kynar sheets with no sweat. I want to be able to do coping, drip edge, valley metal, counterflashing...you know, roofers stuff!

Two years ago we bought the VanMark 12'6 Metal Master Industrial which is portable. It does 24 gauge, but does not love it. It needs adjusted often. The bends aren't as crispy as that of a shop brake.

The problem is that I know next to nothing about shop brakes. What differentiates them, or their brands? What should I look for, or lookout for?

I almost bought a new 10' Morlin, but then I decided to do some homework. The Boyd Builts are the cheapest I see, but I don't want to regret this purchase. What about Baleigh, or a used Chicago or Roper. School me please.

Lefty Said:

If you are looking for an 8 brake you should be able to find one rather quickly. They are more common

I phrased that kinda weird. I asked him to see if it was a 10' because he didn't specify on the post. I'm shooting for a 10' but for $800 it is hard to pass up.

Im leaning towards the be patient and cheap route rather than impulsively buy new. I did just barely miss a good 10 for like $2200. I actually asked that guy to make sure it wasnt a 10.

If you are looking for an 8' brake you should be able to find one rather quickly. They are more common.

Lefty Said: OfferUp is a new place to find stuff.

I'm leaning towards the "be patient and cheap" route rather than impulsively buy new. I did just barely miss a good 10' for like $2200. I actually asked that guy to make sure it wasn't a 10'.

Never heard of Offerup, looks decent.

I found mine on ebay. I drove 600 miles to get it. Got it for $800.

Here is one on craigslist near you. Looks like an 8' brake. http://stlouis.craigslist.org/tls/5849297681.html

Wait and a 10' will show up on ebay or craigslist.

OfferUp is a new place to find stuff.

"... it doesn't brake anything..."

It does, though. When you clamp the brake down on the metal before you start lifting the free end, it stops (brakes) the bend at the line you've established with the clamp.

I'm looking for a manually operated break, and less I find a helluva deal on a hydraulic. I can get a new 10 foot Morla i'm looking for a manually operated break, and less I find a helluva deal on a hydraulic. I can get a new 10 foot Morlin 18 ga for under 6000 shipped

We have a 60x80 pole barn not insulated. Wood heated, so that's not worth much. I have a 24" wilder slitter on the way!