Using Metal Break To Bend Sheet Metal

Fabrication basics tips on how to bend metal on a brake.

Using metal break to bend sheet metal.

I have never tried this method but if you don t have a metal brake this may work fine. Any time a different thickness of sheet metal needs to be formed or when a different radius is required to form the part the operator needs to adjust the sheet metal brake before the brake is used to form the part. They are also used in the heating and cooling industry for forming duct work. There are many ways to get the job done without having all of the tools.

In some cases as with thicker sheet of metal you may need to use a sheet metal brake to apply your bend. Cut the section of metal out or otherwise prepare the metal to be bent by removing any burrs or sharp edges. A sheet metal brake is a tool used to bend various types of metal. Portable units can be rented at home improvement or hardware stores for about 70 00 per day.

To remove irregularity or improve uneven bends place a hardwood piece lengthwise along the bend and hit the bend with increased strength using a heavy duty hammer or mallet. One way that i often work with sheet metal for automotive panels is to sandwich 2 4 s in a vise with the workpiece in the middle then work the metal with a rubber mallet. Stacey demonstrates a technique of how to bend a sheet of metal using a vise and 2 4 s. It can easily bend sheet steel or aluminum.

Video tutorial includes cutting the sheetmetal template and bending the pieces on my 24 grizzly box pan b. Having a sheetmetal brake is a handy tool. It is often used for forming gutters drip edges soffits and fascia boards. For this example an l channel made from 2024 t3 aluminum alloy that is 0 032 inch thick will be bent.

You will use the protractor to gauge the brake as you bend the metal little by little. Not everything requires a brake.