Thorp Air Command - T18.net

I am itching to buy a brake. So, here are the questions:
1) What percentage do you estimate I would use the brake in the construction process?
2) Is it worth purchasing a brake or can I get away with not having one?
3) Would building a Thorp (or any other type) be easier if I had one?

Here's the caveat to all the responses.....you have to answer each question in 1 word (or number(s))!!

First of all do you have the room and a place to put it ?

1. Percentage ? Hard number to pin down . 25% ?

2. I bought a 52" brake from ENCO when they were reducing inventory and they threw in free shipping . The brake was about $200 + CA tax . With the savings I bought a floor stand for the unit . It is a made in Taiwan unit and you can tell the difference in quality compared to a China unit . As with almost all of the brakes you will need a set of radius shoes to help make the correct radius bend . You might be able to find a good used one on e-bat , but the shipping is always the killer in the deal . DO NOT buy a HF brake . FWIW before I had the ENCO brake I made all my small parts using hardwood blocks , metal bar/rod and bending them in a heavy duty vice .

3. Easier...yes . The right tool always makes the job easier .


RB BOOM !

There are a few bends that can be made with a 52" straight brake. I have a 52" shear and a 60" box brake . You are limited to the bends with a straight brake, suggest a "finger" box brake.

I bought a W. Whitney Stueck "Connecticut" 48" "finger" or "box" brake early in my project. It was long enough for everything I needed to make with the "standard" wings. I made a couple of sets of "fingers" with a radius, and fabricated a stand out of heavy iron channel. I used it a lot during the building of my T-18, and still use it frequently for all kinds of projects (including my current Kitfox build). It's a great tool to have, in my opinion.

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John Evens
Arvada, Colorado
T-18 N71JE (sold)
Kitfox 7 SS N27JE