An interesting aluminum brake

[skyboltone]

I dunno. The problem is rectangles isn't it?


http://runawaybrainz.blogspot.com/2011/ ... -with.html

Dan

[Phil_S]

Curiously, unless you are bending steel, the bend is relatively easy to make. As you can see the construction of this guy's brake is very simple and he got great results. I don't think many of us would contemplate 3mm metal.

I think the harder problem is cutting the sheet metal to the correct size. For this, you'll need either a decent table saw or a sheer. I'm foolish enough to try cutting it with a circular saw even though I know it will be crooked! That's why I don't get into chassis bending. I'll say this, though. Once you get into bending, the drilling has got to be easier because you can drill first and then bend. Deburring a socket hole on an already bent chassis is a PITA, and I don't like the way a step bit actually leaves both burr and a bit of taper to the hole. How nice to be able to flip it over are run the step bit on the other side to finish the hole!

[tubeswell]

Home made brakes are fun. I made one with a bit of angle iron and some hinges a few years ago.

Nowadays I use my fancy-pancy brake

[img2736]http://music-electronics-forum.com/atta ... action.jpg[/img]

[Structo]

NIce!

Hey Phil you probably already know this but I just use a cheap deburring tool in my drill to smooth out holes.
In fact, I think the one I have is made for wood.

[img:350:250]http://www.aetools.co.uk/images/product ... 8-1071.jpg[/img]

[Lindz]

Hey Tubeswell

I am looking at brakes now and was curious about yours -

what gauge can you bend with that in steel or aluminum?

does it have fingers?

brand/cost?

Anyone else want to chime in on a reasonably inexpensive brake that will bend typical aluminum and steel gauges for chassis?

[LeftyStrat]

Anyone else want to chime in on a reasonably inexpensive brake that will bend typical aluminum and steel gauges for chassis?

No, but I'm watching this thread. I keep checking out the ones they have a Harbor Freight.

[tubeswell]

Hey Tubeswell

I am looking at brakes now and was curious about yours -

what gauge can you bend with that in steel or aluminum?

does it have fingers?

brand/cost?

Anyone else want to chime in on a reasonably inexpensive brake that will bend typical aluminum and steel gauges for chassis?

That one's a 24" bar brake, and does 1mm steel or 2mm ally. There are ones made in the US and others are asian rim knockoffs (where mine came from I think?)

Same manufacturer does almost identical looking box and pan brakes. Cost for mine was under NZ$400 IIRC (which is about US$330)

http://sell.lulusoso.com/selling-leads/ ... Brake.html

[Phil_S]

Hey Phil you probably already know this but I just use a cheap deburring tool in my drill to smooth out holes.
In fact, I think the one I have is made for wood.

Tom,
I am almost ashamed to admit that I never thought of that. I wonder if they make them in all the sizes used in making a chassis including the tube sockets. I'll have a look around. Thanks for a great tip!
Phil

[Structo]

There is also this type that may work better on larger holes

[img:640:480]http://www.skypassion.com/web-content/T ... ngtool.jpg[/img]

[Andy Le Blanc]

the steps he used are great, aluminum stretches and distorts on a break other wise.

I got this cheap asian made break, the thing will do a couple feet in 16 Ga mild steel.

the materials dictate the process

[Cantplay]

I 2nd Structo's recommendation on the swivel debuering tool.

John

[LeftyStrat]

So I have a question. Are Dumble-style chassis drilled AND screen printed before bending?

[John_P_WI]

Generally the chassis are laser cut, bent (formed), welded then powder coated and screened or imprinted.

[skyboltone]

double

[skyboltone]

This one is interesting and would be paid for after about 6 chassis. 18 gauge steel is .048. I'm confident that this brake would do .063 in 3003 or 5050 aluminum. .80 might be a stretch in a full width chassis. The advantage with this one is that it's a finger brake. That's a big deal really. I've got a big heavy duty chassis someplace made of .090. I think that's ideal.

If you break the main hinge part of one of these brakes it is worth noting that they are cast iron-----really not repairable. I think Allyn makes the express chassis out of .063. I would have to measure one of the Huss HiWatt chassis but I think they are .080.

Dan


http://tinyurl.com/8l8wwum