Newbie- Sheet Metal Brake Help

[EmanuelMetal]

I am looking to work on 5052 aluminum sheet 24" wide 1.5mm thick.

Trying to buy a box and pan brake, and wonder if a
24" inch box and pan 20 gauge mild steel would be sufficient?

Amazon.com: Grizzly G0557 24" Box and Pan Brake: Home Improvement

Amazon.com: Grizzly G0557 24" Box and Pan Brake: Home Improvement

[cybeeria]

That thickness (1.5mm) is about 15 gauge. Although 5052 is not real bad to bend, it is probably more than that unit can handle. It will bend it but it won't hold to a consistent radius due to the flex.

[EmanuelMetal]

Thank you for the reply. I dont have any experience in metal bending so the input is insightful.

[John Bennett]

I would also point out that aluminium requires a radius bend unlike steel, aluminium will have a weak point at bend area if bent with a sharp chisel point die as on steel brakes, Aluminium brakes have a radius die. In a pinch you can first brake a piece of steel and then use this as a cover over the brakes' die when bending aluminium. thus creating a radius bend.

[EmanuelMetal]

Considering now.....if i should work with 20 gauge steel sheet.

I've read that if a Pan and box brake can bend 20 gauge steel, that width of the sheet is a factor? So a 24" 20 gauge brake cant bend a sheet of 20 gauge cold roll steel sheet with a width of 24" ?

[azbret]

I bend aluminum all the time with different types of breaks that I have. (Tennsmith on down to Habor Frieght) When you set up a break to bend metals you need to set the top clamping edge back from the bottom bending edge a certain distance based on the metal and the tightness of bend your looking for..... as a general rule this is usually 2-3 times the thickness of the metal you are using... (but you can go more depending on what you need... understand thou.. you will need to adjust your measurments because you will lose or gain lenght in the bend).. otherwise there is no room for the metal when you make the bend and it will rip or tear along the bend. also when you are making pieces that fit over or inside each other you have to clamp your scribed mark either on the bend seam (for piece to fit over something, stretching, bend is outside the scribe) or on the clamping
seam ( for piece to fit inside something, shrinking, bend is inside the scribe..this is also related to which end of the metal you stick in the bender..

Bret

[EmanuelMetal]

Thanks Bret! I will keep that in mind. Going to do some test pieces and learn the process. Still trying to find more information on width of the sheet. If the overal width will effect how much gauge you can bend. See calculators online for bending metal but alot of info to process without knowing the terms.

[Nekosan]

Originally Posted by EmanuelMetal I am looking to work on 5052 aluminum sheet 24" wide 1.5mm thick. Trying to buy a box and pan brake, and wonder if a 24" inch box and pan 20 gauge mild steel would be sufficient? Amazon.com: Grizzly G0557 24" Box and Pan Brake: Home Improvement

5052 is utility grade and 1.5mm puts it in the nominal 14 gauge range you would want at least a 1/16" nosing on the top edge, don't expect great results. 20 gauge ms on a box and pan I would do only if the powerbreak or 10 ft break was busy.. the box and pan is meant for light stuff like 24 gauge galv...

[EmanuelMetal]

Wanting something smaller...
Found this brake. Not sure if its a better brake.
Going out of budget alittle. But seems to be better quality.
Any input?

Box and Finger Brake, Sheet Metal Bending Brakes BB-2416E

[azbret]

Usually things are engineered to just meet their specs.... A larger brake of the same capability is beefier because of it's span.. On my 4' tensmith I brake 1/8" 5052 8" in width over at the edge of unit where the pivits are.. if I did it out in the middle it would belly out and ruin the brake... I don't endorse this in any way...... but it's my machine and I watched it very carefully throughout the bend and did not notice any unusual deflection.... I don't do it often but the brake bends better at it's edges than out in the middle. That is were I bend most everything.. (starting at the edge not out in the middle) Bret

[EmanuelMetal]

re azbret: Thanks for the input. I consider a 2' brake but i am being picky on the size. A bigger brake would also have ability to increase application later on....sigh. good to know about your methods on your brake. i will keep a watch on mines when i start my projects. Thanks again

[TarHeelTom]

Remember that a brake is a VERY common tool, and you may not have to buy a brake just to use a brake. In areas where there are HVAC shops, every HVAC shop has a brake, and in smaller shops, this sits unused most of the day. You may visit a shop or two (carrying a box of donuts) and find that you are welcome to use their brake when they're not using it.

Me, I've always used the brake at the local airport, which is already set up for aluminum anyway.

And, in both of these locations, there is usually a large shear sitting there as well.

YMMV