Sheet Metal Brake for Cheap

[huffhinesce]

Here are some pics of a sheet metal break that I fabbed this weekend. It is capable of bending a 5 1/2 foot sheet of metal. Don't know how thick yet but it bends 20 guage with ease. I have already used it a few times now today and it worked great. For costing only time if you can come up with some scrap metal it can't be beat.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/08/IMGP0043-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/08/IMGP0045-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/08/IMGP0046-1.jpg
Here was a scrap piece that I used to test it. Sheet metal that has had contours such as this come out nicer. This was just a scrap from my quarter panel that I cut off.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/08/IMGP0048-1.jpg

[CROMAN69Z28]

Looks good. Got any build plans? I'm interested in building one myself.

[craigs73]

lets see the plans:1st:

[Bow Tie 67]

Does anyone have planes for a finger brake?

[huffhinesce]

Looks good. Got any build plans? I'm interested in building one myself.

I don't right now but I suppose I could possibly get a quick list of supplies and all. I will draw it out then post it on here for all. May take a couple of days.

[Eric Howell]

Hope you don't mind but I'll post the email you sent me regarding this.


I used 1/4 inch thick by 4 inch angle steel, three pieces. One for the base, one for the bend, and one for the part that holds the sheet metal down and is also what the sheet metal gets bent over. They were 6 ft long each. I had to shorten the base and the hold down by the thickness of 3/16 inch to put the end pieces on that have the bolts to pivot. I welded two flat pieces to the end and drilled a half inch hole through for the bolt. I put a piece of steel at the end of the bending piece the same thickness and it fits between the other two attached to the base. You have to make sure the the center of the 1/2 inch bolt is in line with the edge of the base to get a perfect/clean pivot. You could also use a piano/continuous hinge vice the brackets and bolts by just welding it to the bending piece and the base. They are about $25 off the net. I went my route instead since it was cheaper and didn't want to have to wait on the hinge to be delivered. I have came up with a way to use a handle to rotate and clamp the metal down vice having to tighten the two bolts. I may make it sometime in the future if I get around to it but just tightening the bolts works fine. The easiest and fastest way is to just weld the hinge vice the brackets and bolts. The bolts were 1/2 inch by 4 inches or so. Then you would just need to bolt it to the 2 by 12 like I did. The handles were just some square tubing about 1 inch by 1/8 inch thick by 18 inches long each. Sorry this is kind of confusing. I could take some more pics and send to you if you need more references/measurements.
The extra pics helped me quit a bit. Thanks for sharing.

[huffhinesce]

I appreciate it WildSide. I will take the exact measurements and draw up some actual plans this weekend. Hopefully get them posted Sunday or Monday for those that are still a little confused by that monster of a story I wrote. That's what the site is for.

[indyjps]

Im in, keep the info coming. Thanks

[craigs73]

you got them plans done yet:drool:

[gto406]

Try this:

http://www.vansairforce.org/tools/

[Yelcamino]

That's a cool set up! After I get done moving I may have to make one for myself!

[David Pozzi]

On the movable piece of angle iron, the part you pull up to bend with, weld in another piece of angle iron full length but one size smaller, it will greatly stiffen it. If you don't the center will bend away from the metal in the middle.
David

[craigs73]

you never did show the plans you still got theme

[brans72]

What ever happens to some plans? I wouldn't mind making one myself.