Hydraulic Ironworker ?'s

[Arc Burn]

Anyone got any info on these or know were to look?I've read a little on them,seen them in Northern(I know,I know)This is why i'm asking,what's a good name brand and does the shear really mess up the end of the steel?Does the punch really punch a clean hole?

[Pat]

Arc Burn,

Just the other day I went to the local Welders Supply grand opening of their new headquarters. They hosted a 2 day show which included exhibits by Miller and a couple dozen other major corporations. The last exhibit I went to was put on by Uni-Hydro out of Minnesota. I was looking at their ironworker model 42-14. The guy working their trailer showed me what this machine could do. I was amazed when this thing effortlessly punched a 1/2" hole in 1/2" plate. Then he sheared this same 1/2" plate which resulted in a perfectly straight cut. I was also impressed when he sheared off and notched a thick piece of angle iron. I believe these are some very well built machines. As soon as I can come up with approx $5400.00 I am going get one they have a web site at www.unihydro.com

[Scott V]

Arc Burn,here is a little info on some punches,and things.This company rebadges the Edwards line.It will throw a twist in the scrap end of some plate.On thin stainless plate it will want to roll the edge some because the clearance is set for all thicknesses(.010)You can set it closer for thin stuff,but it's kind of a hassle.The coper nother is the one the is set tight,and if you set up a fence you can get a burr free cut up to 5/16 steel.It punches great,and I love it for stainless.I am going to be buried with mine!

http://www.clevelandsteeltool.com/technotesframeset.html

[Sberry]

Even as small of an operator as I am it may be worth it to get one of those. So much faster and cleaner than chop saws. I am going to put that on my want list for the year.

[metal tech]

I've used a Uni-Hydro before, can't remember the model # though. That thing was great for punching lots of holes, most guys didn't like taking the time to set it up though. Great addition to any fab shop.

Al

[Mike Sherman]

I have an ironworker and I consider it an essential part of my operation. Use caution when purchasing it though. It is one of those machines that you will get what you paid for. There is a significant difference between the top of the line Geko (sp) and the lower end Scottsman, with the Edwards being in the middle of the road. There are many other brands in there also that I have not tried yet. So buyer beware.

[Wood-N Steel]

iron workers

Another nice MACHINE

http://www.comeq.com/Geka/geka.html

[Scott V]

Remember one thing about ironworkers,they are like a lathe or mill.It's the tooling that starts to drive up the cost, that is if you want to get the most out of it.The one thing about the Edwards machines,is it is a small American company with very good support.They are also over 125 years old,so I don't think they are going anywhere soon.Mike is right being the middle of the road,it's kind of the chevy of ironworkers.Some that cost twice as much have some issues that cannot be solved.One major brand you have to remove the punches to use the shear or you will knock out the punch,and die.Others have very bad table nothers,and will wipe out the blades.The four station 55 ton Edwards cost the same as a 40 ton three station Scotchman.I talked to the rep,and he said they have built about 20,000 units so far.I did have a issue with mine on a valve,and they ups one right out.I ended up sending it back,because it fixed itself.(sticky)From working on it,and talking to Danny in service,it is a very simple design,and about bullet-proof if you don't get supid with it.

[Arc Burn]

Thanks for the info fellas.I'm looking at one big purchase this year and it's a toss up between the Ironworker or the Plasmacam cnc table,what's a boy to do?

[Arc Burn]

Scott,i just got back from drooling at the Edwards website.Was looking at the 50 and 55 ton units,i thought those prices were quite reasonable for all the machine you get,that is untill i remembered what you said about tool and dies!What options do you have and roughly what did they run you?

[Scott V]

Arc burn.I think the price for the single phase 55 ton is $200.00 more added to there prices,plus shipping.Right now at the airgas sale this weekend it's $5395.00 for a single phase 55 ton.You want to stay away from the 50 ton,because it's too close in price to the 55 ton.There is some options that don't work as well on the smaller unit.The Edwards rep was saying something about it.A guy owned one when I was at a demo of a 75 ton.Even though he did like his a whole lot anyway.Here is the sale price for some of the options,
10 inch brake-$616.50,I would make my own on that.
rod shear $787.50,I will use the built in one,it leaves little flat on the work,not a issue for me.
coper/notcher $585.00
pipe notcher,the table part-$202.50
pipe notcher dies $225-315
oversize punch station $337.50
Punch & die starter $166.00

I bought mine for $5350,and a punch in die set was included,that was with the shipping also.Then I got the coper/nother for $550.00.The grand total at this point is $5900.00.
That is about ten percent markup.
The same setup for a guy walking in off the steet this weekend at the airgas sale is $6146.50.That still is a great price on one of those.I bet they could ship you one for that?

I did cut some 0.055/0.120 aluminum sheet today for some powermig practice,there was no twist or damage to either side of the cut.That was with the 14 inch shear.They have more prices in the Edwards book that my friend gave me.This is retail,and it's for the angle nother for $700.00 I will just use my coper/nother for that.

Of course the one I really like is the 65 ton Jaws V.It is around $4000.00 more,but comes with the Coper/nother.It's a five station,an has a 24'' Shear,and lot's of nice things going for it.I am real happy with the one I got though.The 55 ton weighs 2250 lbs,and the 65 ton weighs 3550 lbs,Way too much for me at this time.In fact here is a thread on me moving it.

http://www.chaski.com/ubb/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=sheetmetal&Number=15494&page=0&view=expanded&sb=5&o=&fpart=

[ChadRat]

Arc,
I think I would get the CNC plasma cutter table. If I got an ironworker the only thing I would use it for is to punch holes. You should be able to setup the CNC table to cut out holes and you could have them in a precise location. Like if you were punching out holes in some channel for a fence. Plus think of all the cool stuff you could cut out with a CNC table. I don't have either. If anyone wants to send me both machines then I will test them both out and see which one I like best.

[Arc Burn]

Good point Chad,Truthfully it was the punch that got me looking at Ironworkers although i'm sure it would be put to good use in other applications.

I'm very impressed with the Plasmacam from what i've seen,just got the video monday,seems there is quite a waiting list to get one though.

All in all it's still a toss up,it will be a few months yet,Who knows,maybe i'll hit a big job and buy both

[Scott V]

Arc burn,with a Ironworker you can use the electric/hydraulic power supply to power other things. Add some quick change couplers,and you are good to go.Like a press,or tube bender.the power suppiles are what really cost when making some of that stuff.

[ChadRat]

Arc,
Have ya checked out the torchmate? I think I would get that over the plasmacam.