Author Topic: HF sheet metal brake  (Read 3204 times)

Offline m_fumich

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HF sheet metal brake
« on: August 28, 2020, 09:48:03 PM »
Does anyone have any experience with the HF sheet metal brake? Should I avoid it? What would you recommend as an alternative?


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Offline J.A.F.E.

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Re: HF sheet metal brake
« Reply #1 on: August 28, 2020, 10:19:20 PM »
Someone who actually knows how to use one can do what they need to with it even if it takes a bit more work and setup. Someone who knows little more than they want a sheet metal brake can probably only make scrap with even the best brake out there.
People who confuse etymology and entomology bug me in ways I can’t put into words.

Offline pep

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Re: HF sheet metal brake
« Reply #2 on: August 29, 2020, 07:38:25 AM »
Search Metal Brake, they are very easy to make. Don't require very much in the way of materials.

Can be made portable, using "C" clamp mount to work bench.

Rigidity, determines the sharpness of the bend, & sheet metal thickness to be bent.

If sharp bends are not a big deal, you could even make one using heavy wood

Betting some will post some home builds for this ...I know they are out there..
1776 ................... what happened!

Offline m_fumich

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Re: HF sheet metal brake
« Reply #3 on: August 29, 2020, 08:21:57 AM »
Search Metal Brake, they are very easy to make. Don't require very much in the way of materials.

Can be made portable, using "C" clamp mount to work bench.

Rigidity, determines the sharpness of the bend, & sheet metal thickness to be bent.

If sharp bends are not a big deal, you could even make one using heavy wood

Betting some will post some home builds for this ...I know they are out there..

Fortunately, I don’t have an immediate need for one. I’m just researching for now. That’s good because, while I have a welder, I don’t know how to weld yet. I think a 24” portable brake would suit my limited needs. I’ll look for some plans. Maybe there’s a wood/metal composite plan out there.


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Offline bmwrd0

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Re: HF sheet metal brake
« Reply #4 on: September 02, 2020, 07:17:43 PM »
I have one and it works... OKish. You can do really simple jobs on it, but it doesn't clamp real well so you need to use an additional c-clamp or two in the center of it. Other than that, it is not too bad, just limited.

Offline oldnslo

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Re: HF sheet metal brake
« Reply #5 on: September 03, 2020, 07:46:16 AM »
Does anyone have any experience with the HF sheet metal brake? Should I avoid it?

Have you checked out online reviews on the HF website? 177 are there for viewing. Quite detailed really.

Offline pep

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Re: HF sheet metal brake
« Reply #6 on: September 03, 2020, 10:08:43 AM »
Home made from printed plans.. tight bend .030
1776 ................... what happened!

Offline DeadNutz

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Re: HF sheet metal brake
« Reply #7 on: September 03, 2020, 10:55:03 AM »
Wow pep, nice bend on that sheet stock. What gauge is that material?

Offline muddy

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Re: HF sheet metal brake
« Reply #8 on: September 03, 2020, 09:41:37 PM »
Someone who actually knows how to use one can do what they need to with it even if it takes a bit more work and setup. Someone who knows little more than they want a sheet metal brake can probably only make scrap with even the best brake out there.
I'm one of those that could really make a mess :))


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Offline pep

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Re: HF sheet metal brake
« Reply #9 on: September 03, 2020, 10:15:11 PM »
Wow pep, nice bend on that sheet stock. What gauge is that material?

18 gage, pictured, will bend  16 - 24
1776 ................... what happened!