Can a hydraulic press replace a metal brake?

[1967marti]

I'm about to start a major sheet metal project on my mustang and was looking at getting a HF 20 ton press to work with the dimple dies i'm thinking of buying. Looking at peoples set-ups online got me thinking... Although it would be slower and you would have to make special fixtures, couldn't you do almost everything a metal brake does on a hydraulic press? It would be much slower of course but doable yes?

[astroracer]

Doable, yes. Go to SWAG OFFROAD and look at their finger brake. It's designed to work with a hydraulic press. I have one and use it a lot. Linky:
http://www.swagoffroad.com/20-TON-Finger-Brake-Heavy-Duty-DIY-Builder-Kit_p_86.html

I also built a flat top bender for doing sheet metal and heavier gauge stuff then my 3 in 1 HF combo will do.

If you are doing a lot of tin work and most of it is 16 to 20 gauge, consider the Harbor Freight 3 in 1 machine. Slip roll/shear/brake in one unit. My machine works very well and, for the price, you can't beat the versatility.
Mark

[jaybee]

Nice press brake. I recently bought the HF 12 ton press and have been making plans to build a press brake for it. The adjustable depth stops are a great touch.