Rossr Report post Posted February 2, 2016 Hi folks, I am on the lookout for a steel rule die bender. Helmold, Richards, sandvik etc. With dies. Not sure what I am getting into but I know I am looking to make up my own dies and already have the belt grinders welding ability etc to do it. So just seeing whats out there and how expensive. Thanks folks Ross Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ferg Report post Posted February 2, 2016 (edited) If you are thinking about going into the business?????? How deep are your pockets and have you done any prep work as to potential customers? There are a lot of companies with computer equipment that can outperform "Hand Made" by ten miles. New Manual Helmold Bender with a starter set of dies might run you $4000. You will need a steel rule cutter, not sure how much they are. Angle cutters and notchers. $$$$$ Steel rule in small quantities, 30" strips, will average $1.35 per foot to $1.75 per foot. Many styles of rule available to cut different types of material. Rule comes in point sizes as with printing fonts. Most popular I guess would be 2, 3 & 4 pt. Some have the edge ground while others are shaved on the edges. Different angles of grind as well as length of grind. Different widths of rule. Steep learning curve. Die makers may apprentice for several years to become real good at it. If they are lucky enough to get hired by a reputable company they can spend most of their remaining working lives learning more about making DIES. lol It is one of the many things I want to learn to do. I am retired (long time) and simply wish to make my own dies. I scrounged for a used Bender and plan on building my cutter. Don't anticipate needing notchers or angle cutters, YET. My intent is to make the dies I want without having more invested than it would cost to have them made for me. Should be interesting in the long run. ferg Edited February 2, 2016 by 50 years leather Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rossr Report post Posted February 3, 2016 Ferg, No I am looking for one used for personal use. I do not plan on going into the die making business. Learning curves for sure!! Like you for what it costs to make them I would rather have the equipment and do it myself. I can see a point where it will be better to make them vs buy what I will want/need. So I am on the hunt Thanks for the thoughts it is all good advice Ross Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
