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Building a sheet metal brake.

JEONLYEP

NAXJA Forum User
I saw a couple of plans for sheet metal brakes online, so I decided that I should build one for myself. (36" max width)
(Plan 1)(Plan 2) I made my plans mainly from plan 1.

Material list: (Stand material not in list)
* 7' of 4" C channel (2 @ 41")
* 4' of 2" x 1/4" Angle (1 @ 37", 2 @ 2 1/4")
* 3' of 3/8" x 1 1/2" Flat (4 @ 5", 2 @ 2 1/2")
* 3' of 3/4" Rod (2 @ 18")
* 1' of 3/4" Sch 40 pipe (2 @ 5")
* 4' of 3/8" Rod (1 @ 38" bent in the middle, 1 @ 4")


Pile of metal to be used.
IMG_2443.jpg


Part of the top clamp #1.
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h8/Jeonlyep/My%20brake/IMG_2444.jpg

Top clamp #2.
IMG_2445.jpg


Top clamp #3.
IMG_2446.jpg


Pieces of the bottom.
IMG_2447.jpg


Basic idea for one side, and the parts for the other. C channel is upside down, in other words, you're looking at the bottom of the brake.
IMG_2449.jpg


Basic idea, second view.
IMG_2451.jpg


Drilling the hole for a bending lever holder.
IMG_2455.jpg


Bending lever holder in as it will be used.
IMG_2458.jpg


Hinges laid out.
IMG_2460.jpg



Drilling the holes for the hinge pins.
IMG_2464.jpg



Most all parts cut, bent and drilled.
IMG_2466.jpg
 
Last edited:
Day #2

Tacked the hinges together. Used 1/2" copper pipe to hold things in line. (I like using 5/8" holes for anything that I have line up together, 1/2" copper pipe has an OD of 5/8") (3/4" copper being 7/8")
IMG_2469.jpg


Bent to 90°
IMG_2471.jpg


Another 90° shot.
IMG_2472.jpg


With bender lever.
IMG_2473.jpg


With bender lever at 90°
IMG_2474.jpg


Top clamp in place. (Needs the holes in the base for the clamping bolts)
IMG_2477.jpg


Top clamp in place and brake at 90°
IMG_2478.jpg


Over all view.
IMG_2479.jpg
 
Day #4

Built a "stand" that goes into the hitch on the Jeep.
IMG_2485.jpg


A bent piece in the brake.
IMG_2486.jpg


A bent piece on the brake.
IMG_2488.jpg


Another bend ready to go.
IMG_2489.jpg


Another bend done in the brake.
IMG_2490.jpg


Another bend done on the brake.
IMG_2491.jpg



A few minor adjustments and the truss over the top of the top clamp, then it's ready to burn it all home.
 
Being a sheet metal guy, I gotta say that is by far and away the best example of building what you need I ever seen here.

Nice job.

--ron
 
JEONLYEP said:

Nice work on the metal brake Daryl!


......... but when you have an old tire that's been around long enough to have mowed the lawn AROUND IT several times....... it's time to toss it!

:D
 
IntrepidXJ said:
very cool. nice work :)

Captain Ron said:
Being a sheet metal guy, I gotta say that is by far and away the best example of building what you need I ever seen here.

Nice job.

--ron

YELLAHEEP said:
Nice work on the metal brake Daryl!

Thanks. It's been so much fun, I think that I'll build a hydraulic shop press next. Then a plate bender....


YELLAHEEP said:
......... but when you have an old tire that's been around long enough to have mowed the lawn AROUND IT several times....... it's time to toss it!

:D

I'll be sure to pass that along to my neighbor....
thefinger.gif
 
Nice break... My bro bought a cheapo at tractor supply a few months ago, cracked 2 of the welds already, ha

I like your name.. Only in a Jeep, very clever
 
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