Metal brake: layout on part 1

[Dan]

Do to the fact that this is a scrap metal project, and since I didn t have any 3/16" X 3" flat bar for this part, I used some 3/16" X 4" that I had in my scrap inventory. To make this part turn out right with 4" material, I measured down 3" from the top of the part. Then transfered a line acrossed the part on my 3" marks. Then I used this line to measure over on and mark the 4 1/2" measurement from the drawing. I hope this makes sense when you see the picture.

What I m wanting to show you here is the layout lines that are needed so that you will be able to line up the 5" channel in its proper place. This layout is very important, because it determines how well the pivot point will function. These layout lines are created by extending the layout lines for the center of the pivot point hole. To keep it simple just extend the lines the entire length of the part in both directions.

Also, from the second photo that Im attaching to this post I want you to see that you need to make sure and layout the 2 parts so that you have left and right layouts for lining the 5" channel up on these parts

Any question you might have I will try to answer.

[Dan]

Sorry about the blurry photo. Lets see if this one is clearer.

[Guest]

Originally posted by Dan
Sorry about the blurry photo. Lets see if this one is clearer.

Dan, I have redrawn your drawings on my CAD program to scale. So I could get a better understanding, I will still have to see the finished product.

I also solved the 4" flat bar problem for you. I did it just for fun, although I realize it probably will only confuse. Does it make a difference...the extra inch? I guess not, you already cut the parts out.

Is this a horizontal bender or a vertical bender?

[Guest]

OOOps! I forgot to attach the picture

[Dan]

Rocky D

I had thought about plasma cutting the extra inch off the part, but it would just be added work that really isn t neccessary for the machine to work. The part could be 6" flat bar and work as long as the upper 3" area has the proper dimensions on it.

I guess you would call this a horizontal bender. The part that you want to bend is clamped into the machine so that it is parallel to your welding table.

If things go as planned I should possibly have a photo of the finished product posted this evening. Yesterday, I was able to find acceptable dimensioned material in my scrap inventory to make this project. What this means is that some of the parts are not going to be to the same dimesions as on my drawings. For example, you already know that I had to use 3/16" X 4" instead of the 3" material on the drawing. Plus, I didn t have any 3/8" X 3". I ended up using 3/8" X 3 1/2", which doesn t really matter. And also, I didn t have any 1/8"X 1 1/4" flat bar for the stiffeners on the modified 3" X 5" angle peice. Instead, I will be using 1/8"X 1 1/2", and just cut the leg of the angle iron down to 1 3/4" instead of the 1 1/2" dimension that is on the drawing.

The only thing that is really important in this entire machine is the layout and positioning of the pivot point, which I will hopefully beable to show you in a photo this evening. Also, to make the assembly of this machine easy it is preferable to have a cutting machine that will cut every part dead square. If not there will be some time spent making sure a few key parts are parallel to one another. I m lucky on this one, my bandsaw cut evrything dead square yesterday, so assembly will be easy.

Im sorry, that we are having to do this somewhat backwards, with me having to give you guys the drawings with no finished product for an example. I just didn t feel like taking the chance of getting written up at work for such a thing as getting you guys a photo earlier.

[Guest]

Originally posted by Dan
Rocky D

Im sorry, that we are having to do this somewhat backwards, with me having to give you guys the drawings with no finished product for an example. I just didn t feel like taking the chance of getting written up at work for such a thing as getting you guys a photo earlier.

Don't apologise, Dan, I get this all the time. The print always comes first. This is the MOST exciting post ever...everyone, or some of us building it right along with you.

[Dan]

Yeah, but with those prints you should be getting a drawing with a completed assembly. At this point, here is all that I can give you. Not the best, but it should be some help.