I finally completed my build of the 24 inch brake from plans by Michael Ward and published in HSM a few years ago. So far I have bent 16ga aluminum at full width with no difficulty.
Attachment 36605
Attachment 36604
Matt
Printable View
I finally completed my build of the 24 inch brake from plans by Michael Ward and published in HSM a few years ago. So far I have bent 16ga aluminum at full width with no difficulty.
Attachment 36605
Attachment 36604
Matt
<!-- BEGIN /var/www/html/homemadetools/protected/modules/zeus/views/tool/postUpdate.php -->
Thanks Inflight! We've added your Sheetmetal Brake to our Brakes and Presses category,
as well as to your builder page: Inflight's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:
<div id="blocks"> <div class="block b1 pngfix"> <div class="bimg"> <div> <a href="https://www.homemadetools.net/homemade-sheetmetal-brake-60"> <img src="/uploads/235513/homemade-sheetmetal-brake-60.jpeg"/> </a> </div> </div> <div class="head pngfix"></div> <div class="left pngfix"></div> <div class="right pngfix"></div> <div class="blockover b1 pngfix"> <div class="title"> <a href="https://www.homemadetools.net/homemade-sheetmetal-brake-60">Sheetmetal Brake</a> <span> by <a href="https://www.homemadetools.net/builder/Inflight_2">Inflight</a></span> </div> <div class="tags">tags: <a href='https://www.homemadetools.net/tag/sheetmetal'>sheetmetal</a>, <a href='https://www.homemadetools.net/tag/brake'>brake</a> </div> </div> </div> </div>
<!-- END /var/www/html/homemadetools/protected/modules/zeus/views/tool/postUpdate.php -->
Well done. That is a thing of beauty.
Beautiful!
Very professional finish, I'd be proud to have that in my shop. Well done
Wow, that thing looks great. Fantastic work!
Congratulations Inflight - your Sheetmetal Brake is the Homemade Tool of the Week!
We had another big week, but this was a clear winner and a beautiful tool.
Some more good builds from this week:
Wire Twister by ananas studio diy
Metal Bender by Vyacheslav.Nevolya
Siphon Pump by diyfixman
Angle Grinder Chainsaw Attachment by manshands
Sewing Block by rgsparber
Non-Slip Ruler by Philip Davies
Lathe Tool Post Drilling Jig by bouboulas
Impact Hammer by ananas studio diy
Edge Finder by machining 4 all
Welding Jig by ananas studio diy
Hydraulic Press by fox craft
Chain Wrench by ananas studio diy
Defroster Plate by tony b
Bolt Thread Cleaner by orioncons36
Aluminum Rivet Making Tool by universal scale models
Woven Plastic Line Finishing Method by Baddog
Quick Action Strap Buckle by rgsparber
Tongs by ananas studio diy
90-Degree Clamp by Mr.DK DIY
Inflight - we've added your tool entry to our All Homemade Tool of the Week winners post. And, you'll now notice the wrench-on-pedestal award in the awards showcase in your postbit, visible beneath your username:
https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/...OfTheWeek4.pnghttps://www.homemadetools.net/forum/...eWeekIcon4.png
You've also been granted free lifetime Supporting Member status, which means you can now access all of the tool plans and tool ebooks in our Supporters Forum (thanks to mklotz for that idea). And you'll now notice the Supporters award in the awards showcase in your postbit:
https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/.../Supporter.pnghttps://www.homemadetools.net/forum/...porterIcon.png
You'll be receiving a $25 online gift card, in your choice of Amazon (US-only), PayPal, or bitcoin. Please PM me your current email address and award choice and I'll get it sent over right away.
Nice work! :thumbsup:
From Inflight in another forum:
The plans from HSM were over 10 years ago as a 3 part article. Here are the issues:
Attachment 36640
I haven't seen the HSM blueprints, but it appears a solid design, certainly with all the correct features. The truss rod and respective hardware are especially nice. What is the gauge capacity at full width, and there provisions for extension handles on apron?
The designer wrote that the brake will handle 20 gauge steel at full width. The handles are rectangular so it would be easy to bolt on extension arms if more leverage is required. With 16 gauge aluminum, the handles were fine as is.Quote:
Originally Posted by Toolmaker51
Matt
Those answer questions well. I'm sure handle length and gauge capacity are linked to restrain bending heavy material, especially on a finger type brake. I don't know how tonnage for bends are calculated formula wise.
Compared to press brakes, those concerning die widths and radius, are published broadly.
I found a few build photos for this project.
Attachment 36797
Attachment 36798
Attachment 36799
Attachment 36800
Attachment 36796
Matt
Combined with satisfaction in such a project, you saved considerable money. New and used market 24" & 36" finger brakes are rarely capable of 18 gauge full length, yet run $5 or $600. Once you hit 48" the thickness increases and those run more, not only in total cost but value per inch. Beyond that, maybe 8' and 10' they might be $5 or $6000, but in reality cost less per capacity then smaller brakes.
Why?
Many potential customers [as home shops are on the rise] haven't funds or room for a big apron or finger brake.
Supply & demand rides again.
Here are a couple more...
Attachment 36801
Attachment 36802
Attachment 36803
Matt
I just fell short of submitting as next of kin to be added as beneficiary to your estate; seeing that 24" hook scale.. :drool:Quote:
Originally Posted by Inflight
Until stair gauges holding TWO rules together became apparent :(.
Did you notice the HF calipers wrapped with electrical tape? :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Toolmaker51
Matt
Well, noticed of course. But nondescript compared to world's only 24" hook rule.Quote:
Originally Posted by Inflight
I was all ready to send a fat check. In today's liberal climate, I've adopted an identity of a millionaire. However, my bank statements disagree...
No joke. Something happened, long narrow [1/4"] tape measures used to be common. I have a little side gig working in a pump shop. When boring and facing shaft or bearing sleeves, lengths aren't so critical. A nice scale or tape marked in 32''nds is ideal, most are called out to + or - 1/64th. And a hook rule unhooks easier in a narrow bore!
Regarding stair gauges, I recommend them all the time. The hex shape works as a dead stop too, as do keyway clamps.
This little pump shop by the way, has warranties matching/ exceeding the big guys, exploiting build techniques that are not common to that industry. Owner is 38 yrs old, with more than a dozen full time employees, a fleet of well equipped trucks, and impressive customer list.
As one of his earliest and continuing mentors, I'm justifiably proud.
I have the same calipers, and the same electrical tape! The battery cover screw strips.
Just looking at the brake design, the truss tensioner appears to act directly on one of the fingers... is that correct? If so, I would think the design could be improved by adjusting that so the truss acted on the mounting plate for the fingers, and the fingers were shorter at the top and located against a raised ledge (either a machined step, or a piece of 10x10mm bar welded to the mount).
or am I overthinking it?
