Using Metal Break To Bend Sheet Metal

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.

Using metal break to bend sheet metal.

A sheet metal brake is a tool used to bend various types of metal. 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. There are lots of other ways to bend sheet metal especially if it s a smaller piece. Creating a 22 gauge sheetmetal box from scratch.

For this example an l channel made from 2024 t3 aluminum alloy that is 0 032 inch thick will be bent. In some cases as with thicker sheet of metal you may need to use a sheet metal brake to apply your bend. Not everything requires a brake. Having a sheetmetal brake is a handy tool.

There are many ways to get the job done without having all of the tools. Cut the section of metal out or otherwise prepare the metal to be bent by removing any burrs or sharp edges. Determine the angle at which you want to brake the metal and mark it on the protractor. It can easily bend sheet steel or aluminum.

Fabrication basics tips on how to bend metal on a brake. Portable units can be rented at home improvement or hardware stores for about 70 00 per day. Video tutorial includes cutting the sheetmetal template and bending the pieces on my 24 grizzly box pan b. I have never tried this method but if you don t have a metal brake this may work fine.

You will use the protractor to gauge the brake as you bend the metal little by little. Stacey demonstrates a technique of how to bend a sheet of metal using a vise and 2 4 s.