Harbor Freight 36 inch sheet metal brake--Video-Modifications

[Captainleeward]

Harbor Freight 36 inch sheet metal brake. Installed 2 inch metal tube at base of unit, new wheels removed unneeded weld that makes it a real 36 inch brake. I have a hold down that is attached to a cement lug in the shop so that the brake won't move when bending.


[ATTACH=CONFIG]11313

[DIYer]

Thanks Captainleeward! We've added your Brake Modification to our Metalworking category,
as well as to your builder page: Captainleeward's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Brake Modification by Captainleeward

tags: brake, modification

[Toolmaker51]

I wonder if HFT ever researches how their tools are used, and especially how modified or altered, by the buying public. Whoever their paid engineers, it appears we (collectively of course) are their REAL engineers. Maybe that's RE-engineers?

[Captainleeward]

HI Toolmaker51
I think you and I are of the same mind when it comes to mods

[Toolmaker51]

Yessir;
Thanks for the response. Seeing the work you do is good reinforcement. I am wondering at what you call a 'cement lug'.
Mods accomplish a few goals. One is to practice reverse engineering. Especially figuring work-arounds of sloppy tolerances. Two of course, needing element(s) beyond our current equipment. Three goes back to the HFT thread and Craigslist, or garage sales to get a basis for project so & so. And then, like you know who signs "Never tell me it can't be done".
Right now I'm building an "open" brake. The apron and leaf are vertical. Commercial versions [about $350] have a 2" width and back gauge too short and my project needs 3" and 27" long. All I started with is the same photo all the sellers have, that I scaled up Fibonacci style.

[Captainleeward]

I drilled a hole in the cement floor and put a cement anchor in it to use with a bracket that goes around the metal tube at the bottom to hold down the brake.