Build A Sheet Metal Bending Brake

Weld the stud bolts on the bottom of the brake to make tightening and loosening them a one wrench job.

Build a sheet metal bending brake.

Sometimes called a siding brake or an aluminum brake this tool can be used for cutting and bending flashing for windows and doors and for cladding for exterior soffits and fascias. The 2x4 is the base that will be clamped to a workbench when the brake is in use. To bend your sheet metal with a vise and hammer you will need. It creates a t shape with the base angle.

After bending a box or pan form is then completed by screw solder weld rivet or other metal fixing process. Need to bend sheet metal. 2 wooden or metal form blocks block of hardwood and heavy duty hammer or mallet optional calculator or online bend calculator. At a previous instructable we had seen the build of a simple version sheet metal brake the brake works pretty good but has some limitations the thickness of bending material can t be over 1mm.

However as i had designed the brake the bending point was 1 8 above the pivot point of the hinge see left side of drawing. The unit as shown is approximately 82 tip to tip has a working surface h. An angle is attached to the 2x4 and another angle is bolted on top of that to hold down the metal i ll bend. In a box and pan brake the clamping bar includes several removable blocks which may be removed and rearranged to permit bending of restricted areas of a piece of sheet metal or of already partially formed pieces.

Mount this machine on pipe stands anchor to the floor or in the ground for long term use. Diy sheet metal bender brake fully modified. At this point it became apparent that i had made a mistake in the original design of the brake. Use heavier metal stock for a stronger brake for bending heavier sheet metal or longer widths.

For small jobs or for bending metal on site i use a portable sheet metal brake just like those available at tool rental centers for around 70 a day. Has difficulty at bends that is too close to edge e. A third angle has handles and is hinged to the 2x4.