Using A Sheet Metal Bend Brake

Using a sheet metal brake to fold metal aircraft structure repair.

Using a sheet metal bend brake.

For small jobs or for bending metal on site i use a portable sheet metal brake just like those available at tool rental centers for around 70 a day. The bending capacity over 8 is 16ga steel. Brakes can range in length from 2 to 14 feet and have a throat capacity of up to 18 inches. In some cases as with thicker sheet of metal you may need to use a sheet metal brake to apply your bend.

A sheet metal brake is a tool used to bend various types of metal. The lower jaws lift and bend the material to the desired angle. And is sold as is. 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.

Trim cutter model 3017 and unistand model usa1. 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. It is also possible to bend and flatten a hem to form a radius and to bend a zig zag. Sometimes called a siding brake or an aluminum brake this tool can be used for cutting and bending flashing for windows and doors and for cladding for exterior soffits and fascias.

It is often used for forming gutters drip edges soffits and fascia boards. To open the brake first loosen the bolts then insert a large screwdriver between the top and bottom plate at either end. Many manufacturers make brakes but the different brands all function similarly. Next insert your sheet metal lining up the bend line with the edge of the top plate.

Van mark s tm10 portable siding brake is used to bend aluminum trim coil 3003 h14 light galvanized steel and copper for residential siding roofing window and gutter installation. The sheet metal slips into the throat of the brake where an upper jaw clamps it firmly in place. I m sure some bright person out there will probably come up with a more elegant way to do this. The tm10 is lightweight and portable and very easy to operate and maintain.

The standard procedure for making a simple bend in sheet metal using a hand brake machine is as follows. Enjoy the videos and music you love upload original content and share it all with friends family and the world on youtube. Buyer is responsible for shipping charges and must be shipped on a flat bed. There are normal signs of wear and use.

Figure 1 a proper set up of the sheet metal brake is necessary because accurate bending of sheet metal depends on the thickness and temper of the material to be formed and the required radius of the part. They are also used in the heating and cooling industry for forming duct work. Going out of business sale this is a tennsmith 8 straight sheet metal brake in great condition. The brake set up for box and pan brakes and cornice brakes is identical.