Anyone have a sheet metal "Brake Press"?

[Zane]

I'm building a T-Case Skid Plate for my 80 and I'm needing to make a few 45 degree bends in it and wanted to see if any of you guys have or know anyone that has a Brake Press to make the bends.

The flat steel I'm using is 1/4 inch thick. I have had the plate cut to shape similar to Slee's skid plate and simply need the plate bent.

Any help you guys could give would be great!

Thanks

Zane

 

[theSherpa]

you're going to need a hella brake to bend that...I had a steel place here that does fabrication bend some 1/2" for me (crossmember pieces, sorta).

 

[trainrech]

How wide of a piece? If it isn't more than a few inches wide, clamp it in a bench vise and bend it with a BFG. If that doesn't work, apply a generous amount of heat to it and use the BFG.

 

[IBCRUSN]

You might try taking it to a metal shop when you're ready. They might do it for you for a few $$ or free with a good story on what you're doing. It's not like you have a whole bunch of bends.

I asked about our press brakes at work a few weeks back and I was told not to put steel in it. One will do .25" steel but the couple of guys who use it are rather particular. Funny thing is they rarely use the large unit anymore so I don't know what the problem is. So long as I clean up after they shouldn't have an issue. I think they are just picky SOBs about their aluminum tooling.

 

[Zane]

I called around and got some insane prices at about three local fab shops here in KC. They wanted $50 for just two bends and I needed four bends. At that price I would be better off buying new from Slee. So I came up with a plan that worked really well. You can see what I did and details around the measurements via my post in the 80's section here: https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=144917

Zane

 

[theSherpa]

very creative!

Steve

 

[eyezlee]

nice work Zane, you mind if I steal that idea? I'm already stealing your tirecarrier idea, what's one more? thanks for the R and D.

 

[Eddy]

This is the only place I found in KC that can bend 1/4 and above.

http://www.gieske.com/ They charge setup fees and such.... Give them a call they are easy to talk to...

I checked with my in-laws in St. Joe. They cannot bend that thick...

I was looking to bend some 3/16 to 1/4 steel to make some rocker panels / sliders for the 40.

Let me know if you find anyone.

Ed

 

[Zane]

nice work Zane, you mind if I steal that idea? I'm already stealing your tirecarrier idea, what's one more? thanks for the R and D.

I don’t mind a bit. That is why I posted all the info up. I would rather someone else use what I have done if it helps them save a tone of $$ doing it themselves if they have the desire to build it themselves.

I get more satisfaction doing this stuff myself even if it takes me some time.

Zane