Equipment/12inch Chester Multiformer
A 12" multiformer. This tool can slice mild steel sheet, bend steel sheet into curves and make 90degree bends. The manual calls it a sheer, brake and roll machine.
December 2012, Cepmender reports that one of the side castings has cracked and he is discussing the matter with Chester.
File:Multiformer manual 3-1N-1 305MM.pdf
This tool is on load from Nigle.
It is a relatively cheap Chinese import, supplied by Chester UK.
This machine is only for use with relatively soft metal sheet, PCB material or maybe cutting thin flexible plastic sheet. As a rule of thumb, if your metal isn't slightly flexible in your hands it is too hard for this machine.
We broke the original machine by being rough with it while trying to cut a hard metal plate.
The instruction manual and the label on the back says it can sheer 1mm thick mild steel plate, however the suppliers webpage says 0.6mm maximum. This seems like a hint that 1mm thick plate is pushing it.
The original machine was sucessfully used to cut 0.8mm mild steel sheet and put 90degree bends in it to make a lid for a vectorscope.
This machine is heavier than it looks. You could break your toes and the machine if you drop it. You could cut or pinch your fingers if you stick them in it.
It should be have a label saying WARNING THIS IS SURPRINGLY HEAVY on it.
It should be bolted down to a base.
All the machinery in the space should only be used after appropriate training.
Chester page about this machine
Specification: Model 12" Bed Width 305mm Shearing Thickness (Steel) 0.6mm Bending Thickness 1mm Bending Angle 90 deg Rolling Thickness 1mm Min. Rolling Diameter 39mm Net Weight 45Kg