Building your own pan brake for bending metal can be a fun but challenging project. In just a few steps and with only a couple materials and some hand tools, you can have yourself a handy tool that you made yourself. It may sound convoluted, but simple steps can be taken to achieve great results — at a reasonable cost.
To begin constructing your pan brake, you'll need a few basic materials: a sturdy piece of steel or aluminum, hinges, nuts and bolts, and a few clamps. You can find these things at your local hardware store, and they aren’t super expensive. So now you have everything you need to make your pan brake.
Step 1: Get a piece of steel or aluminum cut to the desired length for your pan brake. This is going to be your tool base- for bending the tin. Just be sure to measure and cut accurately so you have the proper dimensions.
Step 2: Attach the hinge to one end of the base. This will be your hinge to easily bend the sheet metal. Secure the hinge as much as you can with a nut and bolt.
Step 3: With the hinge in position, attach a handle to the other end of the base. This grip would give you enough leverage to pull the bending part and will facilitate easy bending in the sheet metal. Once more: make the handle snug (use the nuts and bolts).
Step 4: To finish, here are a few clamps at the base of your pan brake to secure the sheet metal while bending. This is going to allow you to make consistent bends each and every time.
Your own pan brake in the shop is a simple matter if you follow these easy steps. This will keep your money in your pocket, and make your work flawless on your metal job. With a homebuilt pan brake you can perform many bending jobs with ease.
