The Cook machines are not the same design. There are different styles of planishing hammers. I agree Metal Meet is the place to do research. I am always fascinated at the guys who build their own. I can barely get enough time to use the machine never mind build it.
I have what is I guess the original design of the Cook Mini whatever they call it. It is a small machine but will reach into the center of a 24" part. Anything larger and you are probably looking at 2 man operation. I have Cook and some home made dies and honestly at my skill level it is a toss up if the extra cost is needed.
Depending on what other machines you already have you might look into the Min deal as it does more operations. Baileigh? and a couple others have larger machines that give you more options. It is sort of a mini Pull Max that can planish. There are so many styles and everybody has their favorite.
What sucks about doing metal work is after you buy one machine you raise your level of skill and now need a larger one and 2 more of something else. It is never ending.
Out West and in the South near Nascar you always see them pop up.
Good luck
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