Uploaded July 2021 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
Get the plans: resystech.com/sheet-metal-brake.html
Check out the build article: resystech.com/howtobuildasheetmetalbrake.html
I needed a heavy duty sheet metal brake to bend the 1/8" (3mm) thick aluminum that I chose for the crosskart body panels, so I made one with scrap steel angle and tubing, lawnmower seat springs and threaded rod. It's a common DIY design, but I beefed it up for my needs. So far I've bent 1/8" thick aluminum @ 24 (610mm) wide successfully. No signs of stress on the brake, but it took some muscle to do. I'm sure it can bend a 36" (914mm) wide sheet with hydraulics or handle extensions for more leverage. I'm going to have to build a proper steel table to mount it to first, otherwise I'll probably rip the end off the wooden table that it's mounted to now.
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Get the plans: resystech.com/sheet-metal-brake.html
Check out the build article: resystech.com/howtobuildasheetmetalbrake.html
I needed a heavy duty sheet metal brake to bend the 1/8" (3mm) thick aluminum that I chose for the crosskart body panels, so I made one with scrap steel angle and tubing, lawnmower seat springs and threaded rod. It's a common DIY design, but I beefed it up for my needs. So far I've bent 1/8" thick aluminum @ 24 (610mm) wide successfully. No signs of stress on the brake, but it took some muscle to do. I'm sure it can bend a 36" (914mm) wide sheet with hydraulics or handle extensions for more leverage. I'm going to have to build a proper steel table to mount it to first, otherwise I'll probably rip the end off the wooden table that it's mounted to now.
Follow RST on Facebook:
facebook.com/RenewableSystemsTechnology
