If you're looking for a way to add bending capability to a standard 12/20 ton hydraulic shop press, you're in the right part of presses, brakes, shears, and metal forming. Two very different 12-inch press brake attachments stand out: one priced at $59.27 and one at $299.99. Both attach to the same class of press and both bend up to 12 inches to 90°, but they diverge on material thickness and price. The question is which one fits the work you actually do.
Quick Verdict
For thinner sheet metal and occasional bends, the 12-inch attachment is the sensible pick. For thicker mild steel and structural fabrication, the Eastwood is the heavier-duty tool.
At a Glance
| Attachment | Price | Max Bending Length | Max Bending Thickness | Bending Angle | Price Bar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12-inch Press Brake Attachment | $59.27 | 12 inches | 3/16 inch | 90° | |
| Eastwood Press Brake Attachment | $299.99 | 12 inches | 3/8 inch | 90° |
Both attachments are made for standard 12/20 ton hydraulic shop presses and deliver the same 12-inch bending width and 90° angle. The key differences are the maximum material thickness and the price. The 12-inch attachment handles 3/16-inch material; the Eastwood handles 3/8-inch material. That 3/16-inch gap is the core of the decision.
Where Each Product Wins
- The 12-inch attachment wins on cost: the price spread between the two is $240.72. If your metal forming jobs stay within 3/16-inch thickness, this is the smaller investment.
- The Eastwood wins on material thickness capacity. It can bend thicker mild steel and aluminum, making it a better match for floor reinforcement channels, brackets, truck bedside panels, and other structural shapes.
- Both offer the same 12-inch bending length and 90° bends, so for narrow, thin-gauge work the thickness limit is what separates them.
Product Notes
12-inch Press Brake Attachment for 12-20 Ton Hydraulic Shop Press
This attachment is built around 45# steel with a plastic spray and blackened finish. It bends up to 12 inches of material and can handle stock up to 3/16 inch thick at a 90° angle. The package includes one press brake attachment, and the unit weighs about 38.6 pounds. The working dimensions are roughly 14.5 by 7.5 by 9.25 inches. The trade-off: the 3/16-inch thickness limit means you're restricted to lighter-gauge steel and aluminum. If your work stays within that range, this is a practical choice.
Eastwood Press Brake Attachment for Standard 12/20 Ton Hydraulic Shop Presses
The Eastwood unit is designed to produce variable-length bends in mild steel and aluminum up to 12 inches wide and 3/8 inch thick, with bends up to 90°. It's made to attach to most standard 12 or 20 ton hydraulic shop presses, and the upper die mounting cup has a 41mm inside diameter. Overall dimensions are 14.5 inches wide, 7.5 inches deep, and 9.25 inches high. The thicker bending capacity makes it suited for structural work like floor reinforcement channels, brackets, and truck bedside panels. The main limitation is the higher price-if you're only bending thin stock, you may not use all of its capability. It also carries a California Prop 65 warning for cancer and reproductive harm, which is worth knowing before you buy.
Final Choice by Use Case
Choose the 12-inch attachment when you need a 90° bending accessory for thinner materials and you're working with a standard 12/20 ton press. It handles 12-inch-wide stock up to 3/16 inch thick-enough for many hobby shop projects.
Choose the Eastwood when you plan to bend thicker mild steel and aluminum, especially for structural panels, brackets, and automotive sections. The 3/8-inch capacity and 41mm upper die cup make it the better-suited choice for demanding fabrication.
