Model Engine Maker
Help! => Tooling Review => Topic started by: kev on July 31, 2019, 01:06:36 PM
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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
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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
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I also have one of this type, It is quite good for small work.
Mike
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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
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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
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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
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Kev, I like the idea of the holes and tapped underneath that makes a lot of sense.
Mike
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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
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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?
(https://i.imgur.com/4vAoZUz.jpg)
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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
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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
(https://i.imgur.com/RnRVxw4.jpg)
It bends 2mm copper/brass easily
Cheers
Rich