Author Topic: cheap metal folder  (Read 4226 times)

Offline kev

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 267
  • Portsmouth UK
cheap metal folder
« on: July 31, 2019, 01:06:36 PM »
I have a very occasional need to fold metal but cant justify a full blown folder or even a 3 in 1 machine. Wondered if anybody has tried these and if they are any good



https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sheet-Metal-Folder-Hand-operated-460mm-Folding-Machine-Bending-Brake/333237928597

Offline Jo

  • Administrator
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 15294
  • Hampshire, england.
Re: cheap metal folder
« Reply #1 on: July 31, 2019, 01:17:01 PM »
The 3 in 1 machines are useless    :-X could be a lot better

I made myself one similar to that one and it is very good.

Jo
Enjoyment is more important than achievement.

Offline mike mott

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 418
  • Alberta Canada
Re: cheap metal folder
« Reply #2 on: July 31, 2019, 02:06:08 PM »
I also have one of this type, It is quite good for small work.

Mike
If you can imagine it you can build it

Offline Trevorc

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 134
Re: cheap metal folder
« Reply #3 on: July 31, 2019, 08:49:55 PM »
I have used the Machine Mart version for many years. Very pleased with it, it has served me well.
Can be used for fairly accurate work once you get  used to it.
Trevorc

Online Kim

  • Global Moderator
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 7860
  • Portland, Oregon, USA
Re: cheap metal folder
« Reply #4 on: August 01, 2019, 05:39:49 AM »
I've got one like that, and as everyone says, it works quite well for the money.  It's not overly convenient to use - you have to clamp the bar over the top with C-clamps or something. And it takes a little to get the part square, but you'd have to do that on any sheet metal brake.   I scratched some lines across the base, square with the bending edge, which I find helps me align parts.  And even though there are no fingers, like a pan brake, I've used a small piece of bar stock and clamped that in place when I had flanges or something that would get in the way.

I've certainly used mine a lot.  I also use the vice jaws quite a bit too :)

Kim

Offline kev

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 267
  • Portsmouth UK
Re: cheap metal folder
« Reply #5 on: August 01, 2019, 10:07:49 AM »
Thanks for all the replies guys, I will get one on order today and give it a go

re clamping I envisage a line of holes and tapped holes underneath with a box of screws to act as clamps in normal use, the scribed lines are also a good idea thanks

Offline mike mott

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 418
  • Alberta Canada
Re: cheap metal folder
« Reply #6 on: August 01, 2019, 04:13:33 PM »
Kev, I like the idea of the holes and tapped underneath that makes a lot of sense.

Mike
If you can imagine it you can build it

Offline Mike R

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 160
  • Ottawa, ON
Re: cheap metal folder
« Reply #7 on: August 02, 2019, 02:49:22 AM »
The clamping is the main issue with it.  Large sheets mean that you clamp on the edges, and that can get difficult if you're near the limit of the material thickness it can handle.  I would have liked the loose bar to have a reinforcing rib added to it but thats just me.   And maybe fabricating a couple of my own low profile clamps to help with making greater than 90 deg bends.

Mike

Offline Mcgyver

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 394
  • Toronto
Re: cheap metal folder
« Reply #8 on: November 24, 2019, 12:48:00 AM »
I made this years ago.....still only good for light stuff.  It takes a lot of force to bend metal, how thick and how long a bend are you thinking of?



« Last Edit: September 01, 2020, 08:33:06 PM by Mcgyver »

Offline Firebird

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1328
  • East Midlands UK
Re: cheap metal folder
« Reply #9 on: November 24, 2019, 12:23:03 PM »
Hi

I have one of those cheapo benders and must agree with all the comments.

Its difficult to clamp wide material. The bend in the centre is more curved than bent. The angle iron its made from flexes too much. It will only handle light gauge material.

I ended up making one similar in construction only I used 2 lengths of 4'' angle iron x 1/4'' thick. That one works a treat.

Cheers

Rich

Offline Firebird

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1328
  • East Midlands UK
Re: cheap metal folder
« Reply #10 on: November 24, 2019, 12:37:10 PM »
Hi Kev

Found a picture of my home made one in use. The rear half bolts down to the bench. The overhead gantry applies pressure to a piece of angle iron across the full width



It bends 2mm copper/brass easily

Cheers

Rich

 

SimplePortal 2.3.5 © 2008-2012, SimplePortal