Bending Brake

I recently purchased a small 48" bending brake for another purpose other than making AC parts. I could machine a new set of fingers for it so that I can make 1/8th inch radius bends (it does not have a movable head to change the radius) The question I have is this; at 48 inches is it worth my time to machine out new bending fingers or are most of the bends for a scratch builder (thinking 750) over 48 inches and I should spend my time making a longer brake that is purpose built for AC parts?

Thanks

Views: 954

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Chris Aysen on February 27, 2013 at 7:58pm

Scott - Cut some strips of galv. 29 gauge sheet metal about 1 1/2" wide and bend them over the existing blade finger. As you add a strip the radius increases. Just tape the strips to the finger as many as you need; one or two did the trick for me. Like you mentioned however; you will need a longer brake. Best of luck.

Chris

Permalink Reply by Bruce Cobo on February 27, 2013 at 9:01pm

Scott, I also did what Chris did and it works fine. I have a 8 1/2 ft. brake made for thin aluminum siding but it works well up to .020 for a full length bend. For the thicker material I had to build a 4 ft brake from plans I found on one of the how-to videos. There was three or four parts that were too long and too thick and I bought them from Zenith along with the rear fuselage longerons.

Permalink Reply by Jesse Hartman on February 27, 2013 at 10:51pm

macsmachine.com bending brake plans.  I have a video on my page. works great.

RSS

New from Zenith:

Zenith Planes For Sale 
  

Classified listing for buying or selling your Zenith building or flying related stuff...

Custom Instrument Panels
for your Zenith:

Custom instrument panels are now available directly from Zenith Aircraft Company exclusively for Zenith builders and owners. Pre-cut panel, Dynon and Garmin avionics, and more.

Zenith Homecoming Tee:

Zenair Floats

Flying On Your Own Wings:
 A Complete Guide to Understanding Light Airplane Design, by Chris Heintz

Builder & Pilot Supplies:

Aircraft Insurance:

 
 

West Coast USA:

 
Pro Builder Assistance:

 

Transition training:

Lavion Aero

K&S Aviation Services

Aircraft Spruce & Specialty for all your building and pilot supplies!

How to videos from HomebuiltHELP.com

Developed specifically for Zenith builders (by a builder) these videos on DVD are a great help in building your own kit plane by providing practical hands-on construction information. Visit HomebuiltHelp.com for the latest DVD titles.

© 2024   Created by Zenith.Aero.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service