Choosing new tools

[dkevin]

   Greetings!
  I am a relatively experienced tube amp mutt interested in some tools to form my own chassis. I would like to work with both aluminum and steel. I see the inexpensive sheet metal brakes but worry that they are not stout enough to do the job with 18 gauge (.05). There doesn't seem to be many options out there between the $30 entry level brakes and the $1000 professional grade brakes. Do you have any ideas?
  I also am considering a Porter-Cable 4212 joiner to help make amp cabinets. I am looking to make box joints (simple and strong, from what I hear) and it seems to be a well-designed, inexpensive setup. They sell for about $145. Any advice in this regard would be appreciated as well.
 

[kagliostro]

Look here

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/ruperthirst/Recent%20DIY%20Projects/Audio%20Projects/Audio%20Projects%20Core/GainClone/Onixia%20Gainclone/Bending%20Aluminium.pdf

there is a trick about to use a relatively little bender also for bending 3mm aluminium sheet

with this trick I think you can use also for 4mm 5mm sheets

the negative is you must have a table saw

The Porter-Cable 4212 joiner seems to be a nice tool, not very expensive

Kagliostro

[stingray_65]

I bought this brake from grizzly specifically for building chassis' and I am VERY pleased with the results. I've been using industrial and commercial brakes for many years, not daily, but in my line of work metal fabrication is frequent.

The only "mod" I've done to it is to remove the lock screws that had a slot milled into them and a tab added, and replaced them with allen screws. I've had experience with those sort of fasteners and  I guess I'm too heavy handed.

http://www.grizzly.com/products/24-Box-and-Pan-Brake/G0557


****EDIT**

when you said "joiner" I thought you meant JOINTER

I looked up a PC4212 and saw you mean a dovetail jig.

the 4212 is a great jig, with a good router  and bit setup you'll be making fine joints in no time.

I myself dowel joint my corners with very satisfactory result.

You'll want to invest in a good quality router too, and try not to skimp on the bits.

Ray

[G._Hoffman]

Skip the box joints - it is very difficult to do them with a router without getting large amounts of tear-out.  Use half-blind dovetails.  They are a stronger joint, they are easier to cut with that jig (though to be honest, that one is kind of overkill - I got mine from Rockler for just a touch under $100 on sale, and it is more than enough for amps), and if you ever want to do an amp that isn't covered in Tolex, dovetails are better looking. 


Gabriel

[jjasilli]

If you're into a DIY project:  I just subscribed to a magazine called Shop Notes, and bought the back issues.  Vol 18 Issue 108 Nov/Dec 2009 has plans to build a bending break (up to 22 ga.) using an angle iron, and hardwood.