I think you should have asked before buying it to get the best advice. However, that thing looks solid from here. I know nothing about breaks but here are some ideas:

- Capacity of the break might be stated in the machine tag shown in one of the pictures. At the very least you would be able to read the model name and go from there (google)
- Finger break. I have never used one, but if there is only one blade... then it is no finger break by any means!
- Cleaning. Angle grinder... well... with wire brush only! then some kind of solvent to remove grease and repaint. Make sure to mask matching surfaces, otherwise you might not be able to assemble as required.

Before you do anything, I would try to use it as is for a while. Don't mess with it unless it is not working.

Mikel

 

Looks good, and I wouldn't be too quick to think you got the raw end of the deal.

It might be a finger brake that the user replaced the fingers on. If they didn't need the adjustability because of what they were making, putting a single "finger" on the thing would be sensible. All it takes is for one finger to get chipped, lost or out of alignment to get someone thinking about using a one-piece design if it fits with the kind of work they're involved in.

Check the model number with the manufacturer's website to see what they say.

Cleaning? A good clean and restoration would involve taking the thing completely apart. I don't see that it needs it unless there's something jammed.

If you want to just get all the grease and grime off it, take it to a car wash and hit it with the soap and high-pressure wash. Then give it a nice oil and put her to work.

 

In the fourth pic it looks as if the clamp leaf (“finger”)
doesn’t extend close enough to the edge to make a crisp
bend. Maybe I’m not seeing it correctly. I also wonder
about those empty tapped holes. Have you tried it yet?
Does it clamp and bend properly? Diarco brakes and
hand benders are well made,heavy duty machines.
Even older ones bring big money.

 

From the pictures, it appears to be a single finger break. The 2 nuts on the sides get loosened so the unite slides forward to adjust for thickness. It looks to be all the way back.

The holes in the finger are very clean where the whole thing is old so that throws me off. Maybe someone turned it into a finger break?

Sent from my 2PS64 using Tapatalk

 

It looks like the fingers are missing if I compare it to other ones on ebay. Depending on what you plan to bend, you might be able to make the missing parts if you are so equipped.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/12-di-acro...ro-finger-box-and-pan-brake/223039783716?hash=item33ee350324:g:008AAOSwBU1aiKA~
https://www.ebay.com/itm/12-DiAcro-...Finger-Box-Pan-Brake-E-0162/381714013538?hash=item58dfed9d62:g:3MsAAOSwaB5XllrK
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=+12"+diacro+finger+brake&_sacat=0

 

that looks more like a box and pan brake rather than a finger brake.

 

Aren't those the same thing but finger brake is a slang term??



also is it possible its just missing the fingers alltogether and that long wedge thing is just what the fingers are bolted onto?? it looks like an "apron" is that basically a long finger?

its also possible model "No. 2" is just a regular non finger brake but i couldnt find any info on the model number

 

here are some more pictures

View attachment s-l1600 (7).jpg View attachment s-l64(1).jpg
View attachment s-l1600 (7).jpg
View attachment s-l1600 (9).jpg View attachment s-l1600 (8).jpg


also found a pdf on the vintage Diacro brakes... but it seems kinda hit or miss

http://vintagemachinery.org/pubs/4049/17391.pdf

 

Maybe this will help.

http://vintagemachinery.org/pubs/4049/5515.pdf

 

I would have thought that if the "single finger" was used to bend anything substantial the finger should have filled the space up to the gray painted horizontal bar with the 2 larger allen cap screws holding it. It looks like the "finger is not well as supported as the individual fingers on others on ebay seem to be. Could the threaded holes be to turn that plate around for some reason?

 

turns out the row of screws accross the top... with the two long tracks to slide them around... are what hold the missing fingers... the long wedge thing seems to just be the normal platform to put the workpiece... fingers cost around $100 each and i doubt ill even find any... soooo yeah looks like im canceling


its visible from the first page of this pdf... the fingers extend out from under the swooping up triangular thing... also seen in the pictures above... and bolts from above through the holes.... i think the empty threaded holes in the piece that we thought was a clamp... (but should actually be hidden by the missing fingers) are for changing out the tables
http://vintagemachinery.org/pubs/4049/17391.pdf


messaged seller... he REALLY does not know about these things.... cant tell me anything to save his life... only pictures... gave me a quote for shipping which is $180 from Cali to NY.... i think not

 

What is your intent with this thing ? Lowbuck Mike has a 6" that I use all the time for little brackets and crap.It's plenty tough.
If you need a real finger brake you gotta get out the wallet ! SWAG is an option.I have a SWAG 40 for heavy stuff($1000 finished) and a 1240 Jet (about $3K)

https://lowbucktools.com/products/lowbuck-plate-brake

 

yup im a real #&%*

 

also that was before i found out shipping was $180

 

Thats your own fault for not inquiring before bidding and finalizing.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

That's why I bid on NOTHING on FleaBay .....To many "casual" bidders.....Really have no use for, don't know exactly what they're bidding on and drive up the price.....Till it's time to pony up $$$$$$.... Rule should be ; B.S. Excuse for not paying/ going thru with transaction ...... Seller has right to come throw the item thru your picture window....