Bend Almost Anything With This DIY Finger Brake Press

[@mattspevak7944]

Highly underrated tool. I made a radius upper die for mine by welding a piece of 1" dia round cold rolled to a block of 3/4x3 flat bar. Made a gooseneck die by laminating 1/4 thick steel cut on the plasma. Have even done some sketchy stuff on a raised lower die to get tight z-bend offsets. I've bent 1/2 x 4 to 90 deg on mine without issue. Stout and simple, easy to customize, great bit of kit for the shop. I built mine on a cart with a bottom shelf that holds hydraulic tools like bottle jacks and my power puller, and a higher shelf that sits under the crossbar and holds things that go with the press brake.

[@JustVoss]

Those are all great ideas!

[@nvlvdave]

Everything about this video screams Quality and Attention To Detail - from your videography, to the tools you use, to the effort you put in to making a quality product to the cleanliness of everything. TOP-NOTCH!!!

[@JustVoss]

Appreciate that! I do try and only hope to improve as well

[@chrishayes5755]

@@JustVoss cut grinding noises by 50-75% volume

[@larelare1]

Highly recommend the foot pedal for a pneumatic bottle jack. Having two hands on the metal helps with solid alignment.

[@SegoMan]

Solenoid valve driven dual action ram is better

[@mrmidnight32]

The reason that collar was sparking is because it’s a Chinese made piece. It’s either a cheap bi metal or it’s just the sub standard Chinese steel that’s got more filler than carbon in it which keeps costs down. Gatta watch out a lot of US metal supplies buy this metal too. Not all steel is the same.

[@MethodWelding]

Finally... someone with impeccable attention to detail. Recently bought a Vulcan multiprocess but I'm seriously thinking about taking the loss on 20% restock fee and grabbing the Everlast equivalent.

[@CraigHollabaugh]

I added casters and pneumatic bottle jack to my same setup, then 3D printed a thumb wheel for jack release. Now it's faster to overbend everything. Thanks for the video.

[@branchandfoundry560]

Yep, air over hydraulic with a foot pedal switch is the way to go. Casters are a great idea, I'll have to add to mine.

[@CraigHollabaugh]

@@branchandfoundry560 I used Home Depot HDX 4 in. Industrial Caster. They're the wheels for their wire shelving units.

[@virtualmoyda7221]

Now you just need to mod the bottom to fit actual bottom dies.

[@branchandfoundry560]

@@virtualmoyda7221 Solid idea, thank you!

[@kenswitzer4133]

Hydraulic is best.

[@Pilinchi1]

@ your comment at 15:30.... All standard angle iron are 90 degrees. The reason you got more than 90 degree on your first bend is because the angle iron is very large and the die is very narrow so the object bend past 90 degree as it had nothing pressing the sides against the angle iron.

[@mess_it_up_matt7558]

Been in sheet metal for almost a decade - never once considered using a piece of angle to tighten a die. That's frigging clever.

[@MatthewHeiskell]

Thanks for making this video! I'll be putting mine together this weekend.

[@johnw4590]

I have the finger brake.. but modified it to accommodate a 4way die. It now produces really nice bends! The die cost a 💪🦵but worth the investment.

[@cuskit]

Hello John - hey, could you post a video (or a link to some photos) of how you modified your setup to accommodate the 4 way die? I have a 24" 4 way die along with both this Swag finger brake as well as their 30" HD finger brake (for use on my 50ton, electric over hydraulic Redline press). I welded a flat bar to the top of a smaller angle iron and place it in my 30" brake, but wondered if there is a better solution. I've thought of welding up a 1/2" flat bar with vertical rods/springs similar, but without the U-channel and welded angle iron as a base for the 4way die.Thanks for any reply! mikey

[@johnw4590]

@Metallic Sawdust I first cut a 3/8" ar400 plate to fit the press so it doesn't slide out. Have to tip it up on one side to remove it. Then I (never welded) the angle inside the Swag off road finger press brake.. just rest the 4 way die inside.. the 4way die rests inside almost self centers . Eventually, I am going to build a new bottom.. with 3/8" plate and square bar.. but it works great for bending 1/4" steel plate etc. Also I welded the round stock supplied with the Swag off road kit higher in on the finger brake end.. so there is more room to slip the material between the fingers and 4way die. Hope that helps

[@KennyB9871]

Dude that plunger can is freaking bad ass! 🤯 I’ve needed something like that for years!

[@JustVoss]

amzn.to/3Lm0JqF 💪

[@randytravis3998]

I have the same press 10 years old now . I also built a solid break about 8 years ago ..not as wide as that the best thing I did was replace the factory jack on the press and put one of there air over hydraulic jacks on it had to change the base where the jack bolts to the press but was worth the work ,, saves on time running the jack I don't work due to a injury at work but still putter in my shop when I am up to it ,, like I was saying the air jack is faster too close the gap ,, time is money .. I will need to get the finger brake soon there has been times I could have used it ..

[@williamweesner1191]

Outstanding no BS video. Thank you.

[@kyleroberts5061]

Now go back to Harbor Freight and get the air to Hydraulic 20 ton bottle jack and save the workout for the gym.

[@JustVoss]

I might, I was thinking hydraulic but I bet air is lot cheaper.

[@larelare1]

@@JustVoss Air to hydraulic 20 ton bottle jack is a really nice upgrade. It'll make turning the release knob the hardest step.

[@lloydrmc]

The air/hydraulic jack goes on ITC special regularly

[@freddeford5543]

Already have the air jack.

[@shanedailey6893]

I made the upgrade to the air/hydraulic jack and installed a foot pedal. I found the pneumatic foot pedal on Amazon. Then I welded a hose spigot handle onto the release. Works great!!

[@RealityCheckThat]

I'm welding up the same kit this weekend so this video comes in very handy! You mentioned a couple of assembly tips that I hadn't thought of. Thanks

[@Casket-Man]

I've had mine awhile and still need to get around to welding it up. One great tool for the fixture table is fellow youtuber Fireball Tool's Shim kit, it's great for doing things like aligning that tubing. I was debating putting the angle iron into my mill and using a fly cutter to get a sharper corner but the idea of stacking angle means I could do this anytime. It would help to read the instructions I guess, lol.

[@RealityCheckThat]

So I'm not the only one to procrastinate? LOL, I'm finally welding mine up this weekend.

[@bigwave_dave8468]

good stuff. you can disolve the mill scale by soaking in vinegar overnight.

[@jeremynelson541]

I have to say, I love your attention to detail, especially with cleaning!

[@pauleskridge7209]

Everything done in this video as far as weld quality and toolkng ideas works great for the at home garage fabricator doing work on a budget. The "press brake" here is only good for one size of metal though and to use smaller sizes of angle to press other metal thickness just wont work the same as an actual press brake. Bottom die has to mstch the metal thickness being broke in the press. Thenbottom die is calculated byetal thickness being formed times 8. Hence 1/8" metal thickness times 8 equals 1" base die opening. In all fairness this is a great home garage press brake setup.

[@eccentricsmithy2746]

Dude using a beach umbrella as a tig cup and 3 feet of stick out. He must love using a entire bottle of argon per tack.

[@melgross]

What I found with mine is that the dies are not hard. Generally this doesn’t matter. But if you’re bending something narrow but thick, as their specs say you can do, you dent the die. These are not barely seen dents, but real dents. They don’t affect wide bends, but it shouldn’t be happening. I’m trying to remember without going and finding the manual, but I think they say the dues are 4041. That’s fine if they’re hardened and tempered, but it’s not all that hard if they’re not. Also, be careful about over bending. It tough to get a true 90 degree bend. I take a thin piece that I know it 90 degree. Then I slightly open the press and put this in and check the bend.I also machine and stack smaller angle to get tighter bends. But they’re soft too, so narrow material will dent them as well.

[@MiklaDfar]

You can use a small digital level to get things square as well. Just tare/zero it to your bench in the direction you are interested in then measure the angle of the item you want square or whatever angle you need.

[@igortretsnom]

Best video on this subject I have seen

[@dusanmatkovic495]

I can write one recommendation. What is the width of V die ? The best way to calculate which V die is the best. So that the thickness of the material, if it is bent 2mm thick, x 8 - 10 so that the width V die = 16mm. If the V die is, for example, 16mm wide, and you bend the thickness of the material 4mm, you will damage the upper punch tool. If the V die is wide, you will get a large radius.

[@SegoMan]

Posting trade proven facts on Y T will get you banned..

[@steveposey8446]

Would love to see a video of the Stronghand accessorie fixture cart and table ... Awesome job !!!

[@shanek6582]

Perfect jig for bending and building AK receivers.

[@mattjohns3394]

AK50 recievers?

[@Nobody-ld7mk]

You can lay various diameters of round bar in the receiving cradle to limit overbending. Nice, I'd like to have one for my HF press.

[@stronghandtools]

Great video! So stoked to see you using your new BuildPro table! Perfect for this project!

[@JustVoss]

Worked really great. My next build is a small aluminum table and it’s going to work great for that as well!

[@builtbydevan7317]

You’ve got to get a CK Worldwide 360 torch👌👌 best upgrade I’ve ever done

[@huntereakright8988]

i like how youre not a barbarian with the die grinder/grinding in general 👍

[@tekker8308]

Having the right tool for the job, Priceless!

[@JustVoss]

Yea!

[@barryvarga3538]

I built the whole press and brake from scratch. It is more gratifying to see what you can build yourself.

[@ChefBogan]

The shop is looking better and better all the time! Jealous of your set-up!

[@JustVoss]

Thank you! always a work in progress

[@charlesgraham9954]

i tig everything i can, tig to me is therapeutic. i go off in my own lil world when i tig.

[@markfrance4491]

Dang I'm jealous of that table !👏👍

[@jerrybeard8622]

Great, I need one of those myself. You did a great job on the video.

[@slimdog72]

Did the instructions say to over weld the bottom die to the bend plate?

[@jimpetty2961]

beautiful work primo

[@ACDesignsGarage]

Love the effort and quality that you put in your videos!!!!

[@jamesharless5357]

Wow, very nice job, great video!👍🏻👍🏻

[@SteinerFab1357]

Thanks for showing that, I'm gonna build one myself.

[@Denali822]

Nice work Justin. Great vid production and project. 👍🏼

[@JustVoss]

Thank you!

[@donjohnson5424]

Great video Justin! Never heard of SWAG before. Mind posting a link?

[@JG-kv4oi]

Looks like a nice little entry level press brake. Just thinking watching the video if the channel portion on the bottom die was a little deeper one could tack on a length of 1/2" 1018 or even 4140 PH round bar for a nicely radiused wear edge, less scarring on the end product.

[@tonyhammer3588]

Well done, young man. Well done.

[@darrelstickler]

“Some assembly required.”

[@doughills8024]

I would recommend the Swag press plates as both of the crap press plates broke from my Hobo Fright press broke. Looks great!!

[@markcostello4844]

Hi I have been tig welding for many a moon now and if I had a dollar for every time I've cleaned mill scale I'd be broke . It's just something I have never done And to my knowledge none of my jobs have returned or failed due to contamination . Nor do I clean aluminum or stainless for that matter . I just weld it and piss it off out the door. That includes garbage trucks tanks for the mining industry . Fame proofed forklifts .One thing I notice how ever Mr porosity may come to visit on mild steal sometimes then after I grind it out and do it again it 's ok but that is rare

[@dc85337]

On the press break, the black arbor plates that come with the machine will break - so grab a couple extra (or make them - either 1/2" to 1" thick steel (2 halves make a 1)). They will break when you need them then you are out of luck. I know because a friend of mine has one, dropped the plate and broke it, so...........

[@ramosel]

Wes over at "Watch Wes Work" recently cooked up some really useful mods for that press brake.

[@garyoneill8868]

Hardly do it yourself but it's a good setup regardless.

[@jasongeorgeoff4626]

Great video Justin. I am learning alot watching your videos. Thank you man

[@JustVoss]

Thank you and glad you are!

[@theborednerds]

I don't know if this is fate, coincidence or YT knowing me better than I know myself, but I was literally in Harbor Freight last night and thinking about doing this. thanks for the tutorial

[@Reaperofwind]

With his hair style I can understand the reluctance for mig and stick 😅

[@charlesahon]

That is a great little brake.

[@charlesfields7908]

Im willing to bet that finger break kit would with the ironton 20 ton shop press from northern tool. The h f press and ironton press look almost identical except the legs of the h.f press and the platform for the bottle jack is inverted between the 2 presses. Thats the only difference. Same size c channels and everything.

[@danl.4743]

OK, I have a question for you. (First time on your channel). You have that beautiful welding table at the start of the video. Then I noticed how carefully you put the parts of the press on it, almost as if it was made of glass. I wondered how you'd even weld on it. Then at 3:09 you have your "real"(?) welding table where you actually doing the welding? So, what gives? Do you even use the better welding table? 6:20 Oh... explained. LMAO!

[@patrickkemper-de5vg]

Great video. Where did you get your “ I love the smell of metal machining in the morning” t-shirt?

[@roderickbarry2411]

Did the die suffer any "pull" from the heat of thr weld??

[@simphiwelehlohonolo4961]

I like that sanding machine

[@blazinggazelle6957]

If only I had a bigger garage. Its full now so a new bender would never fit. I do like this bender kit though.

[@justintasht1067]

Another fantastic video really enjoy watching them and fantastic welding skills to 👍👍

[@JustVoss]

Appreciate that!

[@clivewilliams3661]

The two studs are zinc coated coach bolts and the issue with welding them is that they will give off a zinc gas that is toxic so a mask is required that should have been noted and suggested.

[@chrischrismon]

Idk if you remember, but sometime last year I told you I order the defiant metal gloves and couldn't wait to use them, well.....I finally got to use them. They are badass!! Thank you!!

[@GHOST.GARAGE]

You know you're a welder when you close your eyes when it arks up 🤣🤣

[@someolddude7076]

Hmmm this explains a lot. So JB Weld is where I made my mistake.

[@SchysCraftCo.]

Congratulations on your new tool / toy Justin. Hopefully you get great use out of it for many years to come my friend. Very nice MOD to it. Hopefully you get great use out of it. Can't wait to see more videos soon Justin. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friend. Fab On. Weld On. Keep Making. God bless.

[@JustVoss]

Thank you Jared!

[@SchysCraftCo.]

@@JustVoss your very welcome

[@arneminderman3770]

Great welder!!

[@kevinmyles1158]

This press is impressive 😂

[@JimMcMillen-rb5md]

Nice job 16:53

[@hogman2276]

What we’re some of the amps? I was welding a ring that was 1.25” OD. The hieght was like 3/4@, I was welding some 7/8” OD tubing .120”. I was welding putting the 120 amps towards the thick ring and melting into the tubing. Seemed close. What yah think?

[@Defender110SLO]

Owsome. 👌🏻 Must build one for my garage. Cheers. 🍻

[@SmallPressBrake]

you do amazing work

[@WireWeHere]

Justrite brand plunger can $127 to $234 depending on coordinates, volume and profit canyon... A DiY Droozle it Yourself can be an interesting figure out.

[@Sunrayman123]

Score about half the depth of material thickness on that plate and bend it in your vise. Then weld it and call it a day.

[@seuchengaul77]

Awesome video, awesome editing, too! Noob-Question: Why is it better to press down than up? Or why is the jack on top not the bottom?

[@mikepflueger8597]

I have fleet of everl5selders, what torch are you using?

[@madcapmagician6018]

nicely done 😁👍

[@HisNameIsTater]

Nice work

[@mrbibstoo]

Nice job! Would've been nice if SWAG had provided you with a discount for your viewers.

[@rogertaylor8615]

Nice job

[@dexegaming1521]

Dem I'm technician bending machine this is good stuff great work

[@prodanman]

Curious what filler rod you used to TIG??

[@johnkruton9708]

WTH…..i just saw your justrite plunger can…….ima gonna have to buy that…i have the spray cans as I saw them at work. And they work great but I like the plunger idea for disbursing my acetone….such a quick evaporating cleaning solvent….for reference I use MPK Methyl propylene ketone everyday. Sometimes acetone but usually mixed with alcohol….

[@afancyredneck]

Nice Build Man! I have the Everlast 256SI and its been great. I will be buying from them from now on. On the break I did wish to see some bends on some wide pieces. Overall Great Video! Subed

[@kennyschimon]

great vid thanks

[@toml802]

Weave weld kinda looks like dragon scales. Cool.

[@SegoMan]

Let me guess you have a pet dragon to compare the scales too 😂😂

[@GregoryJohnston77]

Just wanted to drop in and say, I am a new subscriber, and your channel is amazing. You are an awesome fabricator also, I love the chill, laid back clean crisp explanations from you. Class A channel 👏🏾 👌 🙌

[@Bekesam]

Great work!!

[@johnversluis3084]

Justin you need to check out Fireball tools they have great fab shims for what your doing

[@leegibbs5387]

Where did you get the finger brake kit? Lee

[@kaywhy1337]

I love my Everlast welder. I was so overwhelmed trying to start tig welding with what gear to buy etc. and it has been a breeze to use. I only have the 185DV but looking to step up to the 255 ext. Great video as always, keep them coming 👍

[@JustVoss]

Thanks and yes they are great especially for the money! I rarely go higher than 180amps really, with what I do at least.

[@MatthewScott]

My 200dv is a beast! With a CK torch and nova pedal it's just awesome.

[@trevorjarvis3050]

Here’s hoping you have better luck with yours than we did with ours.

[@dustinmuenchow2874]

You need some fireball tool magnetic shims instead of those washers

[@whatwouldwttgtdo7289]

Nice job and great video.

[@Brian18741]

Nice build 👌

[@Russianrybakov]

Great vid

[@papergatorzfedducca7998]

New subscriber 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Freetheworldnow]

I thought you would show more of the bending... like full capacity, max thickness, etc.

[@redrustyhill2]

Where can we get that brake kit?

[@fookingsog]

Is that Everlast welder multi-process???🤔

[@JustVoss]

This one is not (unless you count stick) but I’ll have future videos on ones that are.