Sheet metal brake

[handirifle]

I'm thinking of using some scrap angle iron I have to make a sheet metal brake. Has anyone done this before?

 

[smiley]

Yep,
10 footer and it didn't work except on short pieces. The 1/4 x 3 " angle iron flexed to much. Bent on the ends opened up in the middle.

 

[handirifle]

Interesting. I was thinking of welding a length of solid steel rod, about 1" dia, along the entire length, and using that as the pivot point at either end, as well.

Was yours supported like that, or unsupported? Curious. I can definately see the angle flexing on it's own.

 

[smiley]

No it wasn't supported and that might help. It's still out there bolted to a bench but the stuff I needed bent, I needed right then, so it got abandoned and no use for it since.

 

[handirifle]

OK thanks.

 

[Tig]

I made a 26" brake from 1/4" x 3" angle. It was supported on top by a 1"square tube brace. I ran hex bolts down through the brace to clamp the steel firmly along the length of the brake. It's a bit cumbersome to use a hex key to secure the brake before bending, but for the few pices I bend it works fine.

 

[MikeD74T]

Here's a bunch -you may have to register. WeldingWeb™ - Welding forum for pros and enthusiasts - Search Results MikeD74T

 

[F250DSLPWR]

Harbour Freight has an inexpensive one, or if you want to build "boxes or pans", you need a "finger" brake. Enco, Northertool and Harbour Freight also have them, but you have to order.

36" Metal Brake with Stand


Harbour Freight SlipRoll, shear and Brake
Search results for: 'finger brake'

This one clamps to your workbench:
30" Bending Brake

Enco Tools:

Enco - Guaranteed Lowest Prices on Machinery, Tools and Shop Supplies

 

[moeh1]

The better idea for that 1" rod is to bend it to form two legs of a triangle with the angle iron as the third leg. Then weld in a section vertically in the middle that allows you to put tension on the angle iron( something like threaded rod/coupler). This put the two rod legs in tension and presses down on the center of the angle iron to keep it from flexing. Maybe somebody good with drawings can illustrate for me?

 

[handirifle]

Thanks for the extra info. The HF brake is too expensive, for me. I only need it on rare occasions, and the local shops have a $40-45 min charge. I can build one, I think for just a few bucks that will do what I need.

I searched the web and did see a few that were braced as you mention, moeh1, so maybe that will be easier. Wondering if there's a easy way to insure the brake pivots in the right place?

 

[moeh1]

Yeah, pivot point is the key. I looked at some online plans, but it looked like I could buy a cheap brake for what the stuff might cost. The simplest way I've seen to get the pivot right is to cut out a small section at each end of both angle irons to provide clearance for a set of pivot sleeves, clamp the two angle irons together, drop in two pivot sleeves with a pin in them and weld the sleeves in place (one to each angle iron). Hope that makes sense?

 

[handirifle]

Yea, I do understand, especially after seeing this video. He has perfect pics for the hinge. Sheet Metal Brake - WeldingWeb™ - Welding forum for pros and enthusiasts

 

[moeh1]

Thats what I was trying to describe! When you cut the slots, you are trying to remove enough material to get the center of the pin right where the two angle iron corners meet. Have fun.

 

[handirifle]

Well I will still build a brake, but for now, I ran across a local trailer shop that had the fenders I needed, for $15 each. Kinda makes it hard to justify building the brake for that.

 

[beeforty]

I got lucky and picked up a 4' Chicago brake for only $200. Look for a shop closing down or auctions. They are heavy and can take up some room, mine is about 5 1/2 ' long x 2' deep x 41/2' high @3-400lbs? on wheels to get out of the way when not using. If you try to build one think lots of iron!! Big hinges and bracing for bender and the clamp that holds the sheetmetal down and something solid to mount it on. A lot of force is created when folding even thin sheetmetal and handles on both sides is a plus.:thumbsup: