Building A Sheet Metal Bending Brake

I m sure some bright person out there will probably come up with a more elegant way to do this.

Building a sheet metal bending brake.

In this video i show how to build a metal brake with a 72 inch working capacity. Kaka industrial mb 36 36 inch sheet metal bending brake solid construction with steel frame stand high precision 20 gauge mild steel capacity 4 1 out of 5 stars 6 389 00. The axis of rotation center of bender to be inline to bending line. The 2 plate was cut to 2 in length.

The 2x4 is the base that will be clamped to a workbench when the brake is in use. This will be used to form the smooth surface beneath the hold down clamp. This will be used to make the bending plate as well as the hold down clamp. The 1 5 angle was cut in half to make two 2 pieces.

All of the metal and wood bits were first cut to length. The most important thing on a sheet metal brake is. Mount this machine on pipe stands anchor to the floor or in the ground for long term use. Next insert your sheet metal lining up the bend line with the edge of the top plate.

To open the brake first loosen the bolts then insert a large screwdriver between the top and bottom plate at either end. Use heavier metal stock for a stronger brake for bending heavier sheet metal or longer widths. Weld the stud bolts on the bottom of the brake to make tightening and loosening them a one wrench job. Twist a steel wire ø1 2mm around the pivot and place it at the gap on edge of bender.

Adjust and do a tack weld at side of pivot and the top corner of angle iron point 1. It creates a t shape with the base angle.