Metal brake.

[nenard]

Im looking for a inexpensive table top metal brake. Ive seen a few on ebay that clamp or screw to your work bench. I want to make a few small parts, deck plates and some trim pieces. If anyones got any recomendations or ideas it would be appreciated. Also, what do you use to cut shapes for your chrome parts? Ive seen some really nice light panels and such that Id like to replicate but cutting that thin without the sheet bending or curling has been somewhat difficult. Thanks.

[Thorsteenster]

My poor man's brake right now is two of these.
http://www.irwin.com/uploads/products/large/the-original%E2%84%A2-locking-sheet-metal-tools-317.jpg
I'd like to find a small brake too, like maybe 12" wide and handle up to 1/16".
Thought about just making a small one using heavy duty door hinges and small angle iron.

[sparkycuda]

Harbor Freight has an 18" Bending Brake #39103 that might fit your needs. $39.99.

Ken

[modelman]

I have one similiar to this one. Does good on light gage sheet metal-
http://www.grizzly.com/outlet/18-Mini-Mighty-Bender/G9951

[nenard]

Exactly!! Thanks.

[td9clyde]

lol i use the gaps between the boards on my work bench or my vise lol

[derailed]

i bought the same bender as that grizzly
i'm not crazy about the performance
metal must be very thin(soft) to bend properly
i use it to bend plastic sheet and thin aluminum

glenn

[td9clyde]

i bend 16 gauge steel in my bench and thinner i just use a torch to bend thicker stuff

[Iron Art]

I use this little Grizzly brake, G7147 12" Bench Hand Brake, Its small but it is husky. In a lot of apps its not as handy as a box brake but I have been bending 1/16 steel, not the full width of the brake but up to 6" wide and some times a little more. Fred

[modelman]

i bought the same bender as that grizzly
i'm not crazy about the performance
metal must be very thin(soft) to bend properly
i use it to bend plastic sheet and thin aluminum

glenn

You have to use your brain a little when using these cheap products. Mine works fine for my purpose. I also use clamps to hold down the center and I can bend a perfect 90 on a pc. of steel 16-18" long. You can't expect a lot for $20+.

[Bodyman]

you can also try micromark.com keywork brake and 6 kinds will pop up
this is a small tools co for the modeler
steve

[nenard]

Thanks to all. I dont want to go broke on something I'll only use once in awhile.

[Bob From Downunder]

Take a look at Harbor Frieght Tools www.harborfreight.com they have a very nice combo 8" Bench top shear/brake for $179
max capacities are: 18 guage aluminium, 20 guage copper or brass, 22 to 20 guage steel sheet

Bob