A sheet metal brake is a machine made to create quick and easy bends in sheet metal. If you only occasionally bend metal, the cost of a purpose-made tool may not be justified. You can bend sheet metal using items you probably already have in your workshop, although the process takes longer and is less efficient than using a brake. This technique works best for 90-degree bends. If exact angles are required for your project, you should invest in a brake or borrow one.
- Two vises
- Two 4-inch-by-4-inch boards
- Saw
- Sheet metal
- Pencil
- 2-inch-by-4-inch board, 2 feet long
- Hammer
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Instructions
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1
Cut the 4-inch-by-4-inch boards to the length of your sheet metal. Secure the lumber between two vises on a well-anchored work table.
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2
Mark the bend line on the metal and slide it between the lumber with the bend line slightly above the lumber.
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3
Lay the 2-inch-by-4-inch board against the metal, just above the bend line, and hammer against the wood until the metal bends. Continue along the length of the metal until it is bent.
