homemade press brake

[ecdez]

I need to make one of these.



Probably not in this exact configuration, but similar enough. I see nothing about it that will be an insurmountable challenge so my question lies in the jaws. I was originally thinking just 1018 steel but after trolling the internet for a few days I've seen others making theirs out of 4140 or A6. I understand that they need to be strong, but is that overkill?

If I do need stronger steel, what is the best way to work it with medium sized, medium quality machines?

I don't plan to bend anything over 1/4" thick x 6"-8" long.

 

[xalky]

Here's one that i made a few months back. It works really well and it will achieve your goals. It's made of mild steel, no need for fancy grades of steel on this build.

http://www.hobby-machinist.com/show...-a-hydraulic-Shop-Press?highlight=press+brake

 

[pineyfolks]

Mild steel should be fine for home use , use what you have. I made interchangeable bottom dies for mine. Different size channel iron works good. If you use a wide bottom die for thin metal you will get a large radius on your parts. Go less than 90 degrees on your top die so you can bend past 90 as material springs back when bending. If you want a radius you could make a top die from 1/2 x 4 flat bar the lenght of your press and tack weld a piece of 3/8 round on the edge for bending thinner material. Post what you have to work with.

 

[ecdez]

Post what you have to work with.

Materials won't be an issue, I've got plenty to work with. All my steel is 1018 though.

 

[ecdez]

Here's one that i made a few months back. It works really well and it will achieve your goals. It's made of mild steel, no need for fancy grades of steel on this build.

http://www.hobby-machinist.com/show...-a-hydraulic-Shop-Press?highlight=press+brake

I've seen yours before but I couldn't remember where. Looks good!