How To Bend Sheet Metal Without A Brake

How To Bend Sheet Metal Without A Brake:
How To Bend Sheet Metal Without A Brake in 4 different methods with minimal or homemade tools.

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Lights by Sappheiros @sappheirosmusic
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WARNING:
This video for entertainment purposes only. If you use information shown in this video or attempt to repeat anything in part or whole, you do so at your own risk. Remember your safety is your responsibility.
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BREAK IT TIL YOU MAKE IT!

Thank you!

[MrSaemichlaus]

As an experienced sheet metal fabricator, I can add some things:
- Use a nylon hammer or at least hold a piece of wood between your hammer and the workpiece.
- If you can grind a slight relief angle onto the inside tool, that will help form a 90° degree bend without it springing back. Steel almost works at exact 90°, but something like stainless steel or brass will need a few degrees overbending so it springs back to 90°.
- Aluminium doesn't like tight bends because it's not very tough. If you need a tight bend, make sure the bend is perpendicular to the rolling direction. Be careful hammering it down with a steel hammer, because it's easy to squeeze and become too thin. Again, use a nylon hammer or piece of wood in between your hard hammer and workpiece.

[TheAdventuresofPrinceDiamond]

Here is a technique I used successfully to bend a piece of sheet metal which was about half a metre in length: place the sheet into an open door between the hinges. Close the door carefully so the line you marked is along the base of the door stop. The result is a beautifully straight, even, 90 degree bend. Further bending to 180 degrees was done by placing the metal on a table, and using a hammer. The hammer blows were spread out using a large book. Little bit by little bit the bend went from 90 to 180 degrees. When the metal was completely folded I used the book and light hammer blows to flatten the bend to a small radius. All in all, I was very pleased with the result.

[mimzywhimzy]

“Life is harder without your blood.” Actual facts, people. Actual facts.

[carldombek]

Well done! My late father was a tool and die maker but never did his metal work at home, so I never picked up these tricks. He'd have appreciated your clear, methodical approach, as do I. I'm confident I'll be able to bend the 1" aluminum strip that I'm working on -- with practice, of course!

[earthwormjj]

Just used this technique and it worked perfectly, thanks!
Only thing I would add is that a put small piece of timber against the aluminium and hit that with the hammer instead of the bare metal, this gave me a really nice even bend without any dents.

[wiscgaloot]

I'm lucky to have a sheet metal brake in my engineering proto shop, but I LOVE videos that show how to get around the need for such tools. Well done sir.

[porkyz]

Really nice to see a well-shot, clearly enunciated video, not done with a hand held phone camera! I expect you even had a script, unlike many others, so you knew what you were going to say. Excellent work!

[ArcanePath]

"Metal remembers all your mistakes"
Very true.

[Shurik]

Scoring before bending is a must! Instead of screwdriver you're better off using the circular pizza cutter. Works like a charm. Make sure to dull the blade down - there should be no sharp edge left. It should be smooth and rounded edge which is perfect for scoring metal. Otherwise it may cut through the sheet. Another trick - put rubber/EVA gym mat under the sheet while scoring.

[justinchristiano]

Very professionally, well done video without wasting time showing off your dog or whatever like most youtube videos. Excellent!

[neuroblossom]

i appreciate how clearly you communicated these instructions, thank you.

[jamesberrange]

Excellent advice. I just got a whole bunch of ideas! Many thanks.

[sharpfluff]

Brilliant video, straight to the point, clear and focused. Thanks.

[Feldspar__]

One of the best instructional videos I've ever seen. A+.

[cdaldadband]

Thank you for the excellent instruction! 🇨🇦

[CandidZulu]

Sheet metal never forgives – when it's done, it's done! Good instruction!

[ColdHawk]

Thanks! Straightforward common-sense instruction. This was a really useful video!

P.S. - my new favorite YouTube fabrication quote: “Metal remembers all of your mistakes and doesn’t easily forgive.” (Reminds me of my wife’s best friend!!)

[alohaillini]

Very helpful overview of bending metal. I'm trying to create a product prototype and had absolutely no idea how to shape sheet metal. I assumed I'd need to apply heat. Thanks for explaining different methods, pros and cons of each, and tips for metalwork in general.

[stevehood]

Awesome instructions! Exactly what I needed to solve my DIY project.

[stormman]

Another great video Jonathon. You should have your own TV show