What’s the difference between a Mk1 & Mk2?
What’s the difference between a Mk1 & Mk2?
Well, there are a few differences, and the most obvious is the color. But the most significant difference is the type of hinge utilized in each version. The Mark I TrimMaster® has proven itself time and time again as a reliable workhorse of a metal brake. This design utilizes a traditional hinge for accurate and repeatable bends. This hinge does exactly what it needs to and has done so since we designed our first brake in 1964. The Mark II TrimMaster® along with many other Van Mark brakes, are engineered with the newer POWERslot™ hinge that provides superior strength and allows for smaller hems, while still offering repeatable precision results with the durability you would expect from Van Mark.
POWERslot™ Hinge vs. Traditional Hinge
POWERslot™ Hinge
• 5/8" “auto-measure” bend ™ hem
• The 5/8” bend was developed to cater to newer soffit materials
• Strongest hinge available
The POWERslot™ hinge was developed for two reasons: to increase the strength of our Industrial Series and Residential heavy-duty brakes and to allow smaller bends. The result was the POWERslot™ hinge that features a hollow core extrusion to provide unmatched strength and free-motion hinge that “auto-measures” at 5 ⁄ 8". The free-motion feature allows the POWERslot™ to keep a targeted, maximum pressure on the material throughout the entire bend. Comes standard on Mark II TrimMaster®, Mark IV Industrial TrimMaster®, Metal Master® 20, and Industrial Metal Master®.
Traditional Hinge
• 3 ⁄ 4" “auto-measure” bend & hem
• Great for making pieces to cover standard 1” dimensional lumber
• Ideal for making fascia pieces over 1”x6”
If you are unsure if you are going to get a Mark I Series™ or Mark II TrimMaster®, simply think about the types of bends you are going to make. If you don't need bends smaller than ¾" than a Mark I Series™ will be perfect. If you need to do bends smaller than ¾" and want a stronger hinge or need a stronger hinge for an industrial application, then you might do better to consider a Mark II TrimMaster® or Metal Master® 20.
