Bend Almost Anything With This DIY Finger Brake Press

Turn Your Harbor Freight 20 Ton Press Into a Heavy Duty Finger Brake with this kit from SWAG Off Road. TIG or MIG Weld Yourself.
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[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@MatthewHeiskell]

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

[@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!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@barryvarga3538]

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

[@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.

[@williamweesner1191]

Outstanding no BS video. Thank you.

[@KennyB9871]

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

[@JustVoss]

amzn.to/3Lm0JqF 💪

[@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!

[@oddjobbob8742]

Nice build. Really well produced KZbin. Thank you for sharing.

[@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

[@ACDesignsGarage]

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

[@jimpetty2961]

beautiful work primo

[@SteinerFab1357]

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

[@Denali822]

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

[@JustVoss]

Thank you!

[@jerrybeard8622]

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

[@tekker8308]

Having the right tool for the job, Priceless!

[@JustVoss]

Yea!

[@igortretsnom]

Best video on this subject I have seen

[@jamesharless5357]

Wow, very nice job, great video!👍🏻👍🏻

[@Bekesam]

Great work!!

[@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

[@sturmbringer2011]

Great video, we got one of swags kits and have not assembled it yet. This will definitely come in handy!

[@steveposey8446]

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

[@jasongeorgeoff4626]

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

[@JustVoss]

Thank you and glad you are!

[@SmallPressBrake]

you do amazing work

[@Defender110SLO]

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

[@jeremynelson541]

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

[@markfrance4491]

Dang I'm jealous of that table !👏👍

[@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 ..

[@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.

[@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

[@charlesahon]

That is a great little brake.

[@Brian18741]

Nice build 👌

[@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.

[@whatwouldwttgtdo7289]

Nice job and great video.

[@justintasht1067]

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

[@JustVoss]

Appreciate that!

[@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.

[@HisNameIsTater]

Nice work

[@doughills8024]

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

[@madcapmagician6018]

nicely done 😁👍

[@tonyhammer3588]

Well done, young man. Well done.

[@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.

[@campbellmarty36]

Great job!!!👍👍

[@arneminderman3770]

Great welder!!

[@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 👏🏾 👌 🙌

[@builtbydevan7317]

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

[@dekebell3307]

Thanks for sharing Justin, amazing content as always sir!

[@shanek6582]

Perfect jig for bending and building AK receivers.

[@mattjohns3394]

AK50 recievers?

[@48vdcwrld]

excellent tutorial, thanks

[@JustVoss]

Thank you!

[@Russianrybakov]

Great vid

[@simphiwelehlohonolo4961]

I like that sanding machine

[@kennyschimon]

great vid thanks

[@kevinmyles1158]

This press is impressive 😂

[@bigwave_dave8468]

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

[@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..

[@brianbogan3363]

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

[@JustVoss]

Thank you! always a work in progress

[@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.

[@benpress8884]

For the price of the Swag kit you could buy a 24" finger brake already assembled.

[@cuskit]

Where can you buy a 24" brake already assembled for that price? I've never seen one that cheap, can you point us? Thanks!

[@tapioca7115]

Very nice !

[@chrischrismon2766]

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!!

[@huntereakright8988]

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

[@papergatorzfedducca7998]

New subscriber 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@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.

[@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.

[@donjohnson5424]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@patrickkemper-de5vg]

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

[@GHOST.GARAGE]

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

[@slimdog72]

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

[@Reaperofwind]

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

[@darrelstickler]

“Some assembly required.”

[@dixinsydergaming7265]

fun fact, the angle iron is actually the "die" and the "dies" you refer to are actually punches.

[@JustVoss]

Yeah I mess that up a lot

[@dixinsydergaming7265]

@@JustVoss Cool video none the less, I work with press brakes and found this video very interesting!

[@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.

[@TempleThomas]

Which pads/discs do you use on your die grinder ?

[@charlesgraham9954]

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

[@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

[@garyoneill8868]

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

[@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.

[@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...........

[@dexegaming1521]

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

[@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?

[@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.

[@leegibbs5387]

Where did you get the finger brake kit? Lee

[@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?

[@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.

[@dustintran9459]

Hi, Who made the swivel pad clamp?

[@johnversluis3084]

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

[@prodanman]

Curious what filler rod you used to TIG??

[@toml802]

Weave weld kinda looks like dragon scales. Cool.

[@SegoMan]

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

[@George25]

How much was it and where did you buy it from ?

[@011CJ]

Dose that welder have cold weld mode jk .sweet little press I kind want to build one now but I need to finish my fourging press first.i wish I hade the confidence to post vids of my builds

[@JulianMakes]

Awesome! I also need that acetone dispenser thingy. Where’d you get it?

[@edhardy5777]

I Second the request that is Jim dandy right there. Alot better than tilting a 5 gallon can and sloshing it into a rag. Where did you get it?

[@janeblogs324]

You guys don't have $1 spray bottles? You know you can refill wd40 cans for free too right?

[@edhardy5777]

@@janeblogs324 huh what? did y'all hear that? me either.