DIY Sheet Metal Brake

**BrianGreul** · Jan 14, 2019, 06:10 AM

Several years ago I was refurbing an Airstream trailer. Like most Airstreams the belly pan had disintegrated. The bellypan is one of the important slipstream features of the trailer.

Buying 1mm aluminum was no big deal. Bending it was a nightmare. Wide sheet metal brakes are crazy expesnive and hard to get access to. So I built one out of heavy angle iron for about $150. In all fairness, I did not invent this style, but I was one of the first to shoot a video and help others out.

I did come up with some simple ideas to make a hinge using black (or galvanized) 1/2" pipe and a ground rod. Both easily available from Home Depot.

**skibo** · Jan 14, 2019, 07:59 PM

Why is it there is hardly ever any ability for full screen to better see these video's? As I believe these are supposed to be a "How I Did It type video"! I love the many video's shown here on this site but they sometimes leave a lot to desired!

**Beserkleyboy** · Jan 14, 2019, 09:29 PM

Skibo,
When you open the video, also click on 'YOUTUBE' at bottom of player. That will take you directly to the video in YOUTUBE in a new tab, where you can view full screen. Hope that helps you, cheers.

Jim in HOT South Coast NSW, AUS

**BrianGreul** · Jan 15, 2019, 07:45 AM

Feel free to ask questions if you need help with making one or understanding what I did. You can post questions here or to the video.

**skibo** · Jan 15, 2019, 10:52 AM

Thanks Jim, I'll git a try today!
skibo in oh I wish it was warmer in Washington State,USA

**DIYer** · Jan 17, 2019, 07:26 PM

Thanks BrianGreul! We've added your Sheetmetal Brake to our Brakes and Presses category,
as well as to your builder page: BrianGreul's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Sheetmetal Brake by BrianGreul

tags: sheetmetal, brake