Replies

1. 
   jimblodgett | Mar 17, 2003 10:59pm | #1

   The edge of a bench and a 2x4 work fine for bending small pieces like that, Sonny.  I either kneel on the 2x4 or clamp it, fold the alluminum by hand, then use a short 2x4 to lightly tap the final crease in the aluminum.  Piece of cake.
2. 
   cak70 | Mar 17, 2003 11:04pm | #2

   In an article in Fine Homebuilding on flashing walls they had a small picture and description inset in a page of the article describing a homemade brake.  I can't remember the year or month but have it at home(at work now).  It basically was 2x6 cut in three equal pieces.  One piece is beveled at 70 degrees and sits on top of a lower piece with two holes drilled through both and using a wing nut your metal slips between them and can be tightened down.  The third piece of 2x6 is strap hinged to the lower piece with mortising. The metal slips through the two and over this third piece.  You bring thisthird piece up and bend the metal.  I have not made this one but something similar and its works okay.  The one I made the hinges are mortised upside down and I can only bend to 90 degrees but the metal only bends to about 75 or 80 which is okay for step flashing.  Because by not going to 90 the roof leg of step flashing will spring down.  But the wooden version might work better.  If you need me to find the year and month of article let me know.

1. 
   SonnyLykos | Mar 18, 2003 01:37am | #4

   Thanks, Fellas.

   JIm, I do the same at home, or use a 1x4 at the site, but I have some jobs coming up where I can use a portable unit.

   Tony, I can't find it cause my sons have all of my magazines. If it's not to much trouble to locate it, is it possible to either scan the page and email it to me or fax it to me @ 239-793-1038?

   I got a few jobs for condos with the bottom wood of sidelights that's in various states of decay (about 85) - the horizontal section that sits on the concrete (all slabs here in Naples, FL). Typically, even within the same condo association, the sizes vary to it's easier to bend the "L'" shaped pieces at the site that I want to use to wrap those bottom sections.

   Again, thank you all.

1. 
   SonnyLykos | Mar 18, 2003 02:32am | #5

   Thanks again, Tony. Good small project for tomorrow afternoon.

2. 
   BillHartmann | Mar 18, 2003 03:53am | #6

   Here are a couple of low cost portable brakes

   http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=6970&langId=-1&catalogId=4006970&PHOTOS=on&TEST=Y&productId=21309&categoryId=0

   http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=39103

   http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=41311

   Both companies have stores in Ft Myers.

3. 
   cak70 | Mar 18, 2003 03:49pm | #7

   It was March 1996.  We have a fax machine at work but I didn't bring the magazine.  I will try to do it as soon as I can.  It sounds like you have the idea though.

1. 
   joedigs | Mar 18, 2003 09:39pm | #8

   Not sure how large your L bends are, or how long, but when I do some fascia work I like to use a tool from the HVAC guys.  They use it to connect their duct work, my catalog calls them "folding tools" sizes from 8-24" not much help I know.

   I think they sell them at the orange HD, they are good for making 1" bends on anything smaller than 24" if you buy the Larger one, very handy when doing returns or anything small, easy to carry to the scaffolding.

1. 
   SonnyLykos | Mar 18, 2003 10:34pm | #9

   Thank you fellas.

   Tony, Barry faxed a copy of the FHB '96 issue of that had it. I just finished building it to take 18" metal, and it works great.

2. 
   Luka | Mar 19, 2003 02:04am | #11

   Very cool !

   Can we get a pic ?

   Quittin' Time

3. 
   PeteKoski | Mar 22, 2003 05:04pm | #12

   Sonny, been wanting to make one of those for a longgg time.  Can you post a pic or the directions to build? 

    

    

3. 
   Luka | Mar 17, 2003 11:06pm | #3

   Easily enough made, Sonny.

   I am going to make one that will handle a piece either three or four feet long.

   Most complcated piece of the whole thing will be a piano hinge.

   Made from plywood and 2x4's. Probably a couple of pieces of allthread and some nut knobs to clamp the piece in with. If I find that it is not solid enough for consistant results, I will add a piece of angle iron or two.

   Quittin' Time

4. 
   andybuildz | Mar 19, 2003 12:16am | #10

   I see aluminum brakes all the time in the paper for sale used for under $400 which is where I bought mine. I think I paid about $300 for it and it was almost new. Tapco brake.

   I also see them on Ebay...just click "local" so you can pick it up as theyre pretty heavy to ship...or put a post up in your roofing siding supply house.

   BE bent

             Namaste

                          andy

   "As long as you have certain desires about how it ought to be you can't see how it is." 
   http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM