I have been wanting a sheet metal brake for quite some time , but they are expensive and won't handle anything very heavy. After searching off and on for a couple of years, I settled on the one designed and built by J. R. Williams. The only thing I would change is I want it to be a finger pan brake. Well I found out that a fellow had built this same brake but redesigned it as a pan brake and the plans were featured in the Home Shop Machinist magazine in 2008 over three issues. This is a 24" wide brake and very heavy duty compared to most. Sooooo...... I called HSM and ordered the three back issues of the magazine and am starting to gather the materials. The following is a photo from the magazine. Of course I will probably add a few of my own customization to it as usual.
These photos are what I will be building or very similar. I plan on doing a full write up of the project if anyone has any interest in it. It is not exactly a machine shop machine but is a very useful tool to have. I believe it will be a lengthy project ( at least a few months). If anyone has any suggestions or knows of a better design, I would like your opinion and input.
These photos are what I will be building or very similar. I plan on doing a full write up of the project if anyone has any interest in it. It is not exactly a machine shop machine but is a very useful tool to have. I believe it will be a lengthy project ( at least a few months). If anyone has any suggestions or knows of a better design, I would like your opinion and input.