Category: Blog

Power Leaf Brakes Vs Straight Brakes

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Power Leaf Brakes vs Straight Brakes

Precision and efficiency are predominant when choosing tools to bend and shape sheet metal for your projects. You can choose between a power leaf brake and a straight brake. Many used machinery dealers offer both of these brakes at different price points. Here is a comparison of these two tools to help you make an informed decision for your specific goals: 

Power Leaf Brake

The power leaf brake, also known as a box & pan brake, is a versatile and powerful machine designed to help with a wide range of sheet metal bending tasks. You can find leaf brakes that can operate hydraulically or manually. Power leaf brakes use hydraulics, which have different advantages than manual ones. Here are some significant features of a power leaf brake:  

Hydraulic Operation: The hydraulic system provides consistent and strong bending force. This force and consistency help create precise bends even on thicker materials.

Various Bending Angles: The power leaf brake allows you to adjust the bending angle, which allows you more flexibility in your metal bending processes.

Size Increase: This brake can handle larger sizes and capacities with hydraulic power. More challenging materials like hardened steel, titanium, and heat-resistant nickel alloys can be easily machined.

Where To Use a Power Leaf Brake

You can use a power leaf brake in various heavy sheet metal industries. Fabricators that work with stainless steel, aluminum, and other dense materials often choose this tool because it can handle thick materials. Power leaf brakes can help you during projects that require precision and repeatability. These brakes come in various sizes to meet your preferences and goals. 

Straight Brake

The straight brake is a simpler tool compared to the Power Leaf Brake. This brake can either operate manually or hydraulically. For this blog, the manual straight brake is what we’ll refer to. A manual straight break relies on a physical force applied by the operator to create bends. The straight brake is easy to use and is versatile for smaller projects. Here are the key features of the straight brake: 

Manual Operation: The straight brake relies on manual force. This force makes it suitable for projects that don’t require extreme bending force.

Compact and Portable: Straight brakes offer a more straightforward design and are often more lightweight and portable than the hydraulic versions. This makes the brake an easier choice for on-site work.

Cost-Effective: The straight brake is generally more affordable than the Power Leaf Brake because it is a manual tool. 

Where To Use a Straight Brake

Straight brakes can be used in smaller and light gauge sheet metal industries. HVAC contractors, roofing specialists, and garages often choose this tool because it is simple and cost-effective. It is suited for projects that involve simple bends and where high bending force is not as necessary. Straight brakes come in different sizes as well as a power version to suit your preferences and goals. 

How To Choose the Right Brake

When choosing between a power leaf brake and a straight brake, there are a few things to consider, including your projects and the materials you’ll be working with. Here are some key factors to consider to help you make the best decision for your project: 

Material Thickness: Consider the thickness of the material you’re using. A power leaf brake may be the better choice if your project uses thicker and heavier metals. These brakes can handle thicker sheet metals while keeping bends precise. If the metal you use is thinner, you can opt for a straight brake. 

Repetition and Precision: For projects requiring precise repetition, like building a box or a pan, the power leaf brake uses its hydraulic power to maintain consistent results. 

Budget and Portability: Consider your budget and how portable you need your brake to be. Manual versions of both of these brakes are more cost-effective because they are made smaller without the hydraulic system. Choose a manual brake for more portability in your projects. 

In-Shop and On-Site: Hydraulic version of the leaf brake and the straight brake are more difficult to move from place to place. Garages or sheet metal specials can choose these hydraulic versions to keep at their shops. Those who work with on-site projects should consider a manual straight brake or leaf brake. 

Used Machinery Dealers and Your Brake

You can find used and new power leaf brakes or straight brakes at Vander Ziel Machinery. Choosing a brake depends on the specifics of your projects, your budget, and how portable you need the brake to be. Find a brake that meets your project goals, like the size and gauge of the sheet metal you’re working with. You can browse our online inventory to find size specifications on each of our brakes. Contact Vander Ziel Machinery to learn more about which brake best suits your needs and preferences. 

Now Hiring! Painter

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Know someone who might fit this job? Receive a $1000 Referral Bonus!

Now Hiring:

Job Title:         Machinery Painter                          Travel Required:       None
Location:         Alto, Michigan                                 Position Type:          Full-Time M-F 8am-5pm
Contact:          Steve / Andy Vander Ziel                 Website:                   www.vanderzielmachinery.com

Will Train Applicant(s):   Willing to Learn Various Tasks              

Introduction

Want a fun, upbeat atmosphere in a small business setting? Every day is an adventure with a lot of variety and independence in your work. We are willing to train. We offer health insurance, dental insurance, retirement match, HSA, paid lunch and performance bonus program. Vander Ziel Machinery is a small family-owned company that buys and sells metalworking equipment. Stop in today to see what we do and drop off a resume!

Job Description, Roles and Responsibilities

Paint, Prep and Clean machines. Use various techniques to apply paint, including sprays and brushes. Every day is different, lots of new challenges and possibility for productivity bonus.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

  • Prepare machine for painting by cleaning, grinding, sanding, taping and masking the machine as needed.
  • Cleaning using a variety of equipment such as wipes, brushes, pads, scrapers, wire brushes and solvents to ensure material is free from oil, grease, scale rust, etc
  • Dislodge and discard heavy deposits of grime, rust and grease.
  • Prep, prime and paint machines.
  • Mix paint, thinners, dryers and other additives to produce desired finish.
  • Paint using sprays, brushes and/or rolls.
  • Clean up area and provide paint booth maintenance as necessary (changing filters, cleaning floor, etc)
  • Orders paint and paint supplies as needed, tracks paint supplies ensuring needed inventory is available.
  • Adheres decals as required on machine after painting is complete
  • Ability to juggle multiple priorities.
 

Preferred Skills

  • Willing to Learn
  • Dependable
  • High integrity
  • Willing to take Initiative
  • Cooperation/Teamwork/Communication

Applications Accepted By:

Fax or E-mail:                                          Mail or in Person:
(616)868-1115                                           Attention: Steve or Andy Vander Ziel            
[email protected]               6325 Alden Nash

Hydraulic Brakes vs Mechanical Press Brakes

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Hydraulic Brakes vs Mechanical Press Brakes

Hydraulic brakes and mechanical press brakes are two types of sheet metal bending brakes used in manufacturing and metal fabrication. While both types of metalworking equipment bend sheet metal, they differ in how they operate and the advantages they offer. Here is more information about the differences between hydraulic brakes and mechanical press brakes and their pros and cons:

Betenbender Hydraulic Brake
Cincinnati Mechanical Press Brake

What Are Mechanical Press Brakes?

Mechanical press brakes use a mechanical system of gears, pulleys, and a flywheel to apply force to the sheet metal. Energy generated by the system is transferred to a ram, which accomplishes the actual bending of the sheet metal. The angle and depth of the bend created depend on tools on the upper and lower parts of the brake. The upper tool is commonly called a punch, and the lower tool is referred to as a die. Using differently shaped tools, press brakes can produce a wide variety of shapes and angles in sheet metal.

What Are Hydraulic Brakes?

Hydraulic brakes function similarly but use powerful pumps instead of mechanical force to drive the brake punch into the metal. The main distinguishing components of a hydraulic brake include a hydraulic pump, cylinders, and control valves. The hydraulic cylinders are the components responsible for applying the force required to bend the sheet metal.

Hydraulic Brakes vs Mechanical Press Brakes: Pros and Cons

While hydraulic brakes and mechanical press brakes are both effective pieces of metalworking equipment, their distinct features give them different strengths and weaknesses. Here are some pros and cons of each type of press brake:

Pros of Hydraulic Brakes

The biggest advantage of hydraulic brakes is that the down force of the ram can be reversed at any time in the stroke of the ram. Another advantage of hydraulic brakes is their ability to provide consistent force throughout the bending process. This is due to the hydraulic system’s ability to control the force applied to the sheet metal precisely. The hydraulic power of these press brakes can overcome the resistance of the metal without overcompensating. This strength also means that hydraulic press brakes have a higher bending capacity than mechanical press brakes, making them ideal for heavier projects.

Because the hydraulic pumps of this type of brake don’t depend on sustained mechanical force, they pair well with the precision of computerized controls. This allows hydraulic press brakes to execute more complex bending operations. Hydraulic brakes are generally easier to set up and require less overall maintenance than mechanical press brakes. The selection of hydraulic brake presses from Vander Ziel Machinery Sales include these and other advantages, like easy-to-use foot switches.

Cons of Hydraulic Brakes

Compared to mechanical brakes, hydraulic press brakes have a higher cost of entry. The price point can make them less accessible for smaller metalworking operations. The more complex systems behind hydraulic brake presses also makes maintenance more challenging. Repairing or replacing components can be more costly due to their sophisticated design. Conducting maintenance also demands more specialized knowledge of the machine’s function.

Pros of Mechanical Press Brakes

A major benefit of mechanical press brakes is that these more straightforward machines are less expensive than hydraulic brakes. Initial savings may make them a more cost-effective option for smaller shops. The relative simplicity of mechanical press brakes also makes maintaining them easier and more affordable than hydraulic press brakes. Another advantage of mechanical press brakes is their speed during repetitive tasks. Mechanical brakes can quickly execute the same type of bend in succession, allowing high-volume production of given bends.

Cons of Mechanical Press Brakes

The limitations of mechanical press brakes include lower pressure capacities and fewer bending options. Mechanical brakes cannot effectively air bend and their strength in repetition is offset by the simplicity of the available bend types. Due to the age of the mechanical brake design, modern safety measures are also less compatible with them and may further restrict operation. Mechanical press brakes can also incur wear and tear more quickly than hydraulic presses, demanding more frequent maintenance.

Which Type Of Press Brake Should You Choose?

Choosing between hydraulic brakes and mechanical press brakes ultimately depends on your specific needs and requirements. If you need high bending capacity for heavy projects and require a more controlled force throughout the bending process, hydraulic brakes may be the better option. If you need a faster operating speed to produce large amounts of relatively simple bends, mechanical press brakes may be a better fit. 

Metalworking Equipment For Every Situation

Both hydraulic brakes and mechanical press brakes are valuable tools for sheet metal bending, depending on the project’s requirements. Understanding the machinery’s strengths and weaknesses can help you choose the best metalworking equipment for your business. The Vander Ziel Machinery sales team can provide a press brake for whichever metal production needs your company has. Contact us or browse our online selection of used and new press brakes today to find an option suited to your needs and budget.

Contact Us

Advanced Manufacturing Expo 2023

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Advanced Manufacturing Expo 2023: August 9-10

We’re thrilled to announce that we will be attending the Advanced Manufacturing Expo at DeVos Place this year. We will be bringing a handful of different fabrication and metalworking machinery for you to see. The best part? Tickets are FREE.

Find us at Booth 614

*Register for tickets online ahead of the show to save time registering the day-of.
Get Tickets Here

With over 260+ exhibitors, breakout presentation rooms as well as LIVE welding & plasma cutting demonstration from REA RIPPLE Globally Recognized Metal Welding Artist / Fabricator / Contestant on Metal Shop Masters (Netflix) / Forbes Top Influencer / Author, “When I Grow Up”, AME 2023 promises to deliver a top notch expo.

The Advance Manufacturing Expo has five (5) areas of expertise: Mechanical, Metalworking, Automation, Process/Instrumentation and Future Tech. Exhibitors of the Advance Manufacturing Expo will be showcasing the latest advancements in manufacturing technologies and more.

Date: August 9th from 8:30AM — 4PM
August 10th from 8:30AM — 4PM
Location: DeVos Place. Grand Rapids, MI

Machinery We Will Be Bringing:

Click photos for more info

Akyapak 5′ x 1/4″ Four Roll Hydraulic Plate Bending Roll with Top and Side Supports, Model AHS 15/04 

Siegmund Imperial Series System 28 4’x8′ (48″x96″) Welding Table with Plasma Nitration, Model US280030.XD7

Clausing 15″ Swing Geared Head Gap Bed Lathe, Model 8043

Marvel 15″ x 20″ Vertical Tilt Frame Saw, Model 380A-PC3-60

Clausing 20” Floor Stand Drill Press, Model 2276

Scotchman 14″ Semi-Automatic Cold Saw Model CPO 350 PKPD VS

Ercolina SB48 Super Bender

Scotchman 50 Ton Ironworker, Model 50514-EC

Geka Hydracrop 55 Ton Ironworker

Clausing 8″ x 18″ Hand Surface Grinder, Model CSG818H

Wellsaw 20″ Vertical Saw, Model V-20F

Bridgeport Series I Vertical Mill, 9″ x 48″ Table

Visit our Booth for a chance
to Win a YETI Cooler

DEVOS PLACE

DeVos Place is a premier convention center located in beautiful downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. It’s within perfect walking distance to staple bars and restaurants with a variety of cuisines. Plus, being alongside the Grand River, it features a killer view.

 There are several free public parking options within the surrounding area for AME attendees and there’s easy access to the local major highway systems.

devos place outside
devos 2
devos 3
devos 4

COME WATCH SPARKS FLY WITH RAE RIPPLE

Come watch the sparks fly and experience Rae Ripple’s speaker series, where she empowers people of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate the trades, pursue their passions and create the life they’ve always dreamed of. Rae Ripple is a talented Metal Artist and Fabricator. She was a contestant on Netflix’s Metal Shop Masters. Named by Forbes as a Top Influencer and is a Globally Recognized Metal Welding Artist. Plus, she’s the author of “When I Grow Up.” Check out her work on Instagram!

Visit Rae at Booth #1320. Plus! Drawings to win Rae’s art created each day will be held at 3:30 PM.

Highlight Video from Last Year:

Don’t Forget the Accessories for your Machine Tool Purchase​

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Don’t Forget the Accessories for your Machine Tool Purchase​

Vander Ziel Machinery Sales is an industrial machinery dealer that can help you find machine tools and accessories. We can help you buy a basic machine or a fully tooled one. We know everybody has different needs, so we can customize your machine to fit your needs by incorporating accessories that help you get the job done.

Accessories For Mills

If your mill lacks the necessary accessories, we can help you find the ones you need to fit your needs. As experienced industrial machinery dealers, we can add these accessories to new or old mills.

Digital Readouts (DROs)

A digital readout is a display that shows the positioning of how your table moves – left and right, up and down, or in and out. If you want to move the table in one direction 5 inches, it can show the distance on the readout from point to point. Bridgeport mills usually have two or three axis. The X-axis reads left to right, the y-axis reads in and out, and the z-axis reads up and down. There is an option for a two axis or three axis readout. In addition there is a base model readout and an advanced model, the advanced model allows you to program features such as Bolt Hole Circles, Arc Line Contouring, Polar Coordinates, Tool Offsets and more.

Power Feeds and Power Drawbars

Power feeds allow you to move the table via a power servo instead of by using crank handles. This accessory can improve efficiency and help speed up your process. Power feeds can be installed on the x, y, or z-axis. When installing the power feeds, we will ask you what axis you would like the power feeds installed on.

Vises

Vises help hold and secure workpieces while the machine is operating. These accessories are usually mounted to the milling table and are used to clamp and hold the workpiece in place. Vises can be helpful in many milling applications, including reaming, drilling, boring, and tapping.

Kurt Vise
Servo DRO
Torque-Rite Power Drawbar

Accessories For Lathes

If you want to increase the efficiency and accuracy of your lathe, consider including some of these accessories in your machine tool purchase. These accessories can improve the outcome of your projects and save money by reducing waste.

Chucks

Chucks secure small to medium-sized cylindrical workpieces while the lathe is running. They are usually mounted to the lathe spindle, where it can hold the workpiece in place while the lathe shapes it. The chuck helps keep the workpiece in place so it does not move or shift, resulting in a more precise and accurate cut. They can also reduce the time it takes to set up and secure a project, saving time and effort while turning. We carry different diameters of chucks and independent jaws. The possibilities are endless with options for chucks and work holding, please contact us to learn more.

Faceplates

A faceplate is a flat metal disk that can be attached to a lathe’s spindle. Its purpose is also to secure a workpiece in place while the lathe shapes it, but it can be used for workpieces that are too large or heavy for a chuck. Before being mounted onto the lathe, the workpiece must be screwed or bolted to the faceplate. Faceplates may take more time to set up than a chuck, but they are likely the better option for irregularly shaped or larger projects.

Steady Rests

Steady rests can stabilize long and slender workpieces during machine operations. They help prevent vibration and flexing during the turning process. This can result in improved surface finish, machine capability, and stability.

DRO's

On a lathe, which is usually a 2-axis machine, DROs can read out the carriage movement across the bed and cross-slide travel. If you are trying to source a DRO for a mill or lathe, we can help you customize your machine.

Samchully 3 Jaw Chuck
Steady Rests
Newall DRO

The Industrial Machinery Experts at Vander Ziel Can Help You Customize Your Machines

Vander Ziel Machinery Sales can help customize your machines to better fit your needs. With the right accessories, we can make your machines easier to operate, increase safety and save money. We are industrial machinery dealers who want to improve your operations, so contact us today to discuss your machine and accessory needs.

Choosing the Right Kind of Freight

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Choosing the Right Kind of Freight for Metalworking Machinery

Choosing the right kind of freight can be difficult. At Vander Ziel Machinery, we can help guide you through the process. Here is what you need to know about choosing freight:

Types of Freight

When choosing the correct freight, you may want to ask yourself a few questions in order to get the best answer. Here are some questions to ask yourself: 

What Is the Weight?

The weight is a key determining factor when choosing the right type of freight. There are three ranges to consider. Here are the different weight ranges to consider when choosing freight:

Under 5,000 lbs.
5,000-40,000 lbs.
Over 40,000 lbs.

Once you figure out the weight of the freight, you will have a different set of questions to ask yourself.

Freight Under 5,000 lbs

If you have determined that your load is under 5,000 lbs, the next step is to ask yourself if the freight itself is fragile. You will want to ask yourself the following questions: Will the cargo be able to be secured to a pallet? Is the freight damaged easily?

If you have answered “yes” to the questions above, the next step is to ask if you are able to unload the freight yourself. A “yes” answer means that you should choose a common carrier shipment. If the answer is “no,” opt for LTL (Less than Load) flatbed shipment.

Freight under 5,000 lbs and easily damaged should also consider the LTL flatbed.

Freight within 5,000-40,000 lbs

When you have determined that the freight is within this weight range, you’ll need to find out whether or not it needs to be in a timely manner. If you are short on time, a full truck flatbed may be the right choice for you. When you have more time on your hands, you can opt for an LTL flatbed shipment. 

Freight Over 40,000 lbs

When freight is over 40,000 lbs, the best freight to choose is a full, dedicated flatbed truck, and this should be the safest way to move the freight.

At Vander Ziel Machinery, we can help guide you through these questions to find the right freight type for you.

What To Know About Different Types of Freight

The three common types of freight are common carrier shipment, LTL flatbed truckload, and full truckload flatbed. We offer all of these types of freight. Common carrier shipment can be vital to making sure your cargo is not damaged. LTL or less than truckload is one of our most popular quotes. Those who choose this option should be able to unload a step bed or flatbed truck. Full truck loads are the most secure way to handle freight. Our staff have become experts in all things freight and can assist you in finding the right type for you.

Contact Vander Ziel Machinery Today

When choosing a type of freight, having experts on your side can be helpful. Contact us at Vander Ziel Machinery to learn more about our services and how to choose the right type of freight. 

How to Sell Your Used Machinery

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How to Sell Your Used Machinery

There are many different reasons why you may want to sell your equipment. At Vander Ziel Machinery, we are always looking to buy. Here is what you should know about our purchasing process and more:

Reasons To Sell 

Many industries can benefit from selling their equipment to us for many different reasons. Your business may need to upgrade machinery and may not know where to sell your equipment. You could simply need the cash for the equipment you don’t use. Another reason to sell your equipment is to get more floor space by removing old equipment. If you are closing up shop, and no longer need your equipment you may want to consider selling your equipment. All of these reasons are valid, and we can help.  

The Selling Process 

Our selling process is simple to follow. Here are the steps you need to follow to sell your machinery: 

  1. Call Vander Ziel Machinery or fill out this form. 
  2. Send pictures of your machinery.
  3. Receive a quote from us. 
  4. Schedule a pickup time. 

We understand that selling equipment can be time-consuming and we want our customers to feel at ease when you work with us. That’s why we keep our selling process simple – so that you can focus on other parts of your business. It’s quick, easy and you’ll gain more space in your shop just like that! 

What We Offer 

When you sell your equipment to us, we offer several different options. We offer fair cash prices for machinery and risk-free purchases. We also offer trade-ins for those who are interested in upgrading their machinery. A trade-in can reduce the cost of new equipment. At Vander Ziel Machinery, we can also help you if you are closing down your entire plant. We are happy to purchase machinery from plants or from those who are thinking of liquidating. Our team understands that confidentiality is key in these situations. To learn more about what we offer, contact us! 

Reasons To Sell to Us 

Selling your equipment to the right purchaser can make or break your experience. We offer fair prices and hope that you continue to come back if you ever need to sell other equipment and/or purchase new equipment. Here are some reasons why you should consider selling your machinery to us: 

  • Our prices are fair when selling your equipment to us. 
  • Our team can deliver your new equipment to you during/after picking up your trade-in machinery.
  • We can remove your old machinery quickly using our in-house rigging and trucking.
  • We do not broker the equipment you sell to us. 
  • We purchase all types of machinery at various levels of quality. 
  • We purchase machinery to put back into our warehouse. 
  • We will purchase single items, multiple items or entire plants. 

These are just a few of the many reasons to consider selling your machinery to us. We have been in the industry for over 25 years and understand the issues that can come from selling equipment. We want our customers to go through the process with us and come out better in the end. 

Contact Us

If you are considering selling one or multiple different pieces of machinery, we can help! Our selling process is simple and fair. We understand that it can be time-consuming, so we have made it EASY for you. We offer a quick and simple selling process and offer trade ins. After selling your machinery, you can purchase new machinery from us or browse our used section. Our clients come from various industries, so we offer equipment from various industries. To learn more about the machinery we carry and the process of selling or purchasing, reach out to us!

Who is Standard Modern

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Who is Standard Modern? VanderZiel Machinery has looked high and low for a lathe manufacturer in the United States, the closest we could come is a combination of American and Canadian made. We have personally visited the production of Standard Modern, and can attest to their locally made, quality products! Standard Modern lathes have an incredible feature we have never seen before in our 30 years!

History
Standard Modern was founded in 1931 as Standard Machine & Tools. It was founded by several partners in Windsor Ontario (which may seem like a long way away but Windsor is only 2 hours from Vander Ziel Machinery!) In 1955, Standard Machine & Tool and another company named Modern Tool Works was purchased by a British company. The new company was named Standard Modern Tool Company Ltd. and started operation in Toronto, Ontario.

The ownership has changed and today is owned by Racer Machinery. Though since the very start, Standard Modern has prided itself with providing high quality products with local workmanship.

Where is it Made?
The hot topic with machine tool manufacturers today, is where does the casting come from? Standard Modern is one of the few manufacturers who can say their castings come from the United States and Canada. In addition, those castings travel to their location in Toronto, Ontario and are machined in house to create the final product, a high quality, precision, heavy duty lathe. Standard Modern works hard to cultivate local relationships with casting suppliers to ensure that they will continue to be able to locally source the castings.

Unique Features
Standard Modern lathes can be found all over North America, they are primarily used in high precision environments, machine shops, technical colleges, and the military in both U.S. and Canada. In addition, if you are doing a lot of threading, a Standard Modern lathe is for you! Check out our video to see it in action: Video

Vander Ziel Machinery believes that Standard Modern is a great resource if you are looking for a high-quality machine. We were genuinely impressed with the quality, as seen in our video the 2080 lathe can take .006” off without any significant chatter or sacrificing quality. In addition

So what do you need to know?

  • Made in North America.
  • Swing Sizes: 13”, 14”, 18”, 20”, & 26”
  • Distance between Centers: 34”, 40”, 60”, 80”, 100”, 120”
  • All lathes come standard with the threading capability. (See our demo video).
  • Industry leader with a 2-year warranty.
  • Manuals & Parts are readily available.
  • Military Grade Models are also Available.
  • Vander Ziel Machinery is the only stocking distributor in the United States.
  • Many accessories and options are available.

Contact us if you have questions or would like more information on these lathes.

Let us know what you think? We have taken a lot to time to research the brands we represent. If you have thoughts or suggestions, we would love to hear them!

Lathes In Stock @ Vander Ziel Machinery!!

How to Choose the Right Ironworker?

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Do you have a Swiss army knife of machines in your shop? An ironworker is a very versatile robust machine that could save you a lot of time and valuable shop space. Do you need to punch holes on occasion? Shear less than 12” flat stock? Shear an angle? Notch a part? A single machine can replace several in your shop. Most ironworkers can punch, shear, notch and bend anything from steel plate to angle iron! In addition, there are many accessories that can increase capabilities with rod, round & square bar stock, channel iron, I-Beam and pipe. After purchasing an ironworker, our customers say they don’t know what they would do without one.

The Basics
So, you want to start looking at an ironworker? Where do you start? First, most entry level ironworkers are single operator ironworkers. This means that a single motion controls both sides of the ironworker so it is only practical to have one fabricator using the ironworker. Whereas a higher production ironworker is a dual operator, so an operator can be at each end of the ironworker and the motion at each end works is independent of each other. (The ironworker pictured is a single operator)

Capacities
Next, ironworkers are rated by tonnage. This is the tonnage of the punch station, for example a 40-ton ironworker can punch a 1” hole in ½” material. While an 80-ton ironworker can punch a 1” hold in 1” material. Generally, the rest of the capabilities increase with the size of the ironworker but there is no standard that a 40-ton ironworker will by default shear a ½” x 4” piece while an 80-ton will shear 1” x 6” flat stock. So always check the capability for the processes you need in an ironworker. In addition, compare different brands and styles of ironworkers by their capabilities in the stations you need, not just the overall tonnage of each machine. Another consideration is to be aware; some ironworkers are rated in metric tons which is 2,200 lbs. instead of the U.S. ton is 2,000 lbs. Our new and used ironworkers are organized by tonnage.

Your Application
Keep in mind the type of material you are punching; most capabilities are rated at mild steel with 60,000 – 65,000 pounds of tensile strength. It is generally recommended to get a machine 20% bigger than your largest/thickest job. Though you know your application, if you only need that thickness on rare occasion then there is no need to get a larger machine. Just remember a bigger ironworker can easily do smaller jobs while a small ironworker can’t do large jobs.

Things to Consider
Also look for the throat size of the punching station, as most can only punch within 6”-10” of the edge of your material. Punches are not just for round holes! There are hundreds of styles, sizes, and shapes for punch tooling. Check out this catalog, you might find a type of punch that you didn’t know existed!

More Tooling

6″ Brake Attachment – Allows bending of parts less than 6″
8″ Brake Attachment
12″ Brake Attachment, Some Models can Support up to 24″!
90 deg. Vee Notcher
36″ Backguage for Easy Repeatability
Channel Shear
NEW FEATURE!
LED Backlighting for Easy Visibility
Open End Brake Attachment
Picket Shear – Usually for Fence Post
Pipe Notcher
Rechtangular Notcher
Rod Shear
Tube Shear

Helpful Links & Information

Vander Ziel Machinery represents several different brands of ironworkers as each has its benefits and disadvantages. We recommend the brand and type of ironworker depending on YOUR individual application. Click here to check our our new ironworkers, we represent Scotchman, Amada Marvel, and Piranha. We have thoroughly tested and tried each of these brands to ensure you get a quality product that will help get your job done!

We also have used ironworkers, click here to check those out. Vander Ziel Machinery checks out every machine and posts a video of it running.

If we can help answer any more of your questions, please give us a call or email us!

Tax Benefits for Equipment Purchases

Posted on by breese

Great News — 2015 Section 179 Deduction Information:

The Senate has now done its part and passed a year end budget deal that funds the U.S. government through September 2016, avoiding a shut down.  This was combined with a package of tax breaks providing much needed tax benefits to a broad spectrum of small businesses.

The legislation extends more than 50 expiring tax cuts, with more than 20 becoming permanent, including increasing the maximum amount for small business expensing under IRS section 179 to $500,000.  This would be reduced if the cost of section 179 property placed in service exceeds $2 Million.

What this means to you:

  • 2015 is a great year to buy and save on new and used machinery!
  • 2015 Expense Deduction Limit has been raised to $500,000
    2015 expensing limit of $500,000 made permanent (Maximum allowance was slated to drop to $25,000 this year).
  • 2015 Limit on Capital Purchases = $2 Million
    Section 179 Threshold for total of equipment & software that can be purchased has increased to $2 Million (threshold would have been only $500,000 prior to the new legislation).
  • 50% Bonus Depreciation will be extended through 2019. Businesses of all sizes will be able to depreciate 50 percent of the cost of equipment acquired and put in service during 2015, 2016 and 2017. Then bonus depreciation will phase down to 40 percent in 2018 and 30 percent in 2019.

Please Note:

  • Section 179 Deduction applies to most new and used capital equipment, and also includes certain software.
  • Bonus Depreciation only applies to new equipment (no used equipment, no software)

 When applying these provisions, Section 179 is generally taken first – unless the business has no taxable profit in the given tax year.

Sample Savings*

Original Equipment Cost: $500,000
2015 Tax Savings: $175,000
Final Equipment Cost: $325,000
Cash Savings on Equipment Purchase: $175,000

*Assuming a 35% tax qualifying purchase

This information does not constitute tax advice. Please check with your tax advisor on how this applies to your business.