BUILD a Sheet Metal Brake! FREE PLANS!

LINK TO FREE PLANS BELOW! The Sheet Metal Brake I always wanted: 36" glory, cantilever locking mechanism, adjustable fingers, weighs as much as I do! (NOTE: You will want to add 1"x1/2" flat bar to the folding bar for more rigidity)
Subscribe for more!! Only you can prevent forest fires!
Free Plans: www.gwellwood.com/tools/sheet...
No, I will not distribute the Fusion360 file. But thanks for asking.
So far:
- Success: 12"/30cm of 0.100"/2.54mm aluminum
- Success: 28"/71cm of 0.039"/1mm sheet steel
- Success: 30"/76.2cm of 18ga/1.2mm steel - with 1x1/2" bar bolted to folding bar
Adapted from: www.woodworkforums.com/f65/pa...

[@LSFord]

"everyone should have a lathe" "Everyone should have a welder" "there would be less problems in the world" - instantly subscribed

[@SoloRenegade]

this is truer than most realize

[@jrsydvl7218]

My lathe must have it out for me because it keeps hitting my hand and arm with the random hot steel curl.

[@brianwalk108]

You could build world peace with a lathe a welder and a milling machine, unfortunately you could weaponize the world with the same three tools, sweet sweet irony

[@michaelhill8441]

That's exactly what I did too.

[@LSFord]

@@michaelhill8441 man of culture

[@user-dx9rh1ge8x]

Brilliant, I had a metalwork teacher just like you, I can still remember him now, Bob Courrier was his name. I went into engineering at 15 as a machine tool fitter apprentice in the heart of the industrial midlands of the UK and retired at 60, retired now but never had a day in my working life where I didn't want to go to work. I built a small machine shop in the garden when I finished and now I have my 13yr old grand son turning the parts for this folder, even he finds it interesting ! Thank you for the effort to post this build. Best regards Mick

[@codelicious6590]

I get a little shiver of excitement that reminds me of the feeling of Christmas morning when I was a kid whenever I find an excuse to drill and tap a part or piece of steel! I also have a drill bit fetish and can hardly make it out of any hardware store without at least one cobalt steel drill. Its a condition.

[@arthurdoner5957]

Thank you! Very generous of you to share the plans and I was pleased to see the plans are actually free! I wish I had a shop teacher like yourself, I think I would've found my love for fabrication 15 years sooner!

[@Canuck014]

That’s a pretty decent break. I want to thank you for being a shop teacher and trying to help kids learn to use their hands. A lot of schools nowadays don’t have shop class and if they do, it’s not really formal. I think schools should pay shop teachers more and then maybe they can attract red seal trades teachers. When I was in high school our shop teacher was a trade machinist, he was awesome and inspired many kids to go into the trades. I am a red seal millwright and supervise a rebuild/machine and Fab shop. My son’s teacher was a math teacher and a self taught auto mechanic. He did his best in the metal work program. I really think it’s awesome what your doing for the kids. Keep up the good with them and keep the videos coming. Play safe and Work safe. 👍🏼😊

[@natesteiner5460]

Silver & Demming are the big drill bits with the reduced shanks. Perfect for really overloading your drill press and getting whapped by the work when they grab.

[@pvtimberfaller]

If they grab try reducing the cutting edge angle like you would for copper, it helps regulate the feed. Had to do that using large drill bits with a hand drill. Use a lot of coolant.

[@david-jw1xr]

One of the better KZbin channels, great build, just the right amount of humor and no annoying background music. Subscribed.

[@jnessastone1969]

This is awesome. I only knew what you were talking about 75% of the time but that was the most entertaining instructional video I have EVER watched. My husband was entertained at how entertained I was. I agree this needs way more views. Keep up the great videos.

[@brad9803]

Just completed mine. Turned out fantastic! Thanks for the plans and the video. Only 2 changes I made was 5/8” cold rolled flat bar for the bending bar. And two pieces of cold rolled flat bar, one 1” x1/4” and the other 1 1/4x1/4” to locate the fingers. It was easier than milling a 36” piece.

[@34k5]

I have a bunch of 5/8 steel scraps, now I know what i`m going to build! Nice job, thanks for sharing.

[@ericsuiter7619]

Very nice! I appreciate your use of the phrase, "it's just a tool," ... while you proceed to perform better-than-good-enough work. My Father worked as a machinist and I spent many Saturdays "helping" in the shop. So much of this video reminds me of those learning years, and having tools to make jigs and fixtures to make things that make things. Either one gets it or one doesn't. I've been a Maker all my life and I get it. Your video was great and your finger brake looks fantastic. Thank you for sharing.

[@andrewpitsko3608]

I love the narration schools need more teachers like you government people should have lessons from you on how to deal with situation The world would be a better place.

[@benjaminjaxxon1277]

InstaBlaster...

[@stephenwgreen78]

It took me until my 30s to realize making anything is a lot like playing pool. The really good players don't ever have to make the "hard shot". All of the hard work is in the set up/jiggs. Once I realized it my life became infinitely easier... except storage...I just need a bigger shop every 3-4 years🤣😂

[@cgis123]

You are absolutely hilarious, some of the best commentary I have heard in a while. Keep up the good work. You have won my subscription. Matt

[@mrprimenumbers6448]

Absolutely great work, thank you so very much for all that you do for the kids. Please keep that sense of humor it really makes watching and learning a 1000 times better and easier.

[@musicalal3752]

Nice machine! I was reminded of the ones used in my high school shop classes. I wish I had the time and resources to do those things again.

[@user-fo6vw9yk7j]

Very grateful, thank you for the Plans, I have been setting up my workshop for several years little by little, I started with wood machines for Carpentry, acquiring the Plans from Matthias Wandel, I have just begun to experiment with metal machines to work metal. Your adaptation is Great.

[@sellersandson3198]

First design I’ve seen that would be worth investing time and money in it. GREAT JOB!!!

[@badensmith737]

I love the way you think, cheerful, informative, and a character by the sound of the way you explain things.I am on the other side of this big rock,in Tasmania Australia. Keep up your good teaching.

[@HamidA-to8vy]

I liked how authentic you are, and Imagine your students appreciate that too

[@RC-Heli835]

This thing is not only very functional but beautiful! Absolutely beautiful!😃

[@SecurityisaMyth]

Nice job, love the humor. Former Shop Teacher myself- loved to watch the kids and see who got the humor in my presentations. Yes, I can Drill and Tap, at least that's what she said!

[@freedtmg16]

Wow, just wow, amazing work, thanks for including the plans!

[@michealfigueroa6325]

I could not wait for a nice guy like you to come along with Free Plans, so I bought a 6 footer. I did however down load you plans Thank You very much

[@timgrenville-cleave2848]

Only just found you! Wholeheartedly agree with @Lsford below. "everyone should have a lathe" "Everyone should have a welder" "there would be less problems in the world" - instantly subscribed. Plus your somewhat whimisical narrative brought a smile to my old face. Keep up the good work.

[@tomthompson7400]

great project , and many thanks for making the plans available too.

[@boondock54x4]

Dude, you made me smile, with you clever humor.

[@erichill5208]

That’s a great project for a fab class teaches many different skills in order to complete the project. Once it’s complete that’s a fantastic tool to have could last a lifetime if taken care of. Your the sort of shop teacher more schools need. Your right welding and machining parts is often relaxing when your building for fun👍👍👍. Very cool

[@OPHSTech]

As a retired tech ed teacher, thanks for sharing. Love to see your projects!

[@tigerseye73]

Back in the day when I was in high school, I had great teachers that taught and inspired me for my life's work and career. They did not have your sense of witty humor, but were good teachers non the less. It would have been even better if you had been one of them. Liked and subscribed. Thanks for this post.

[@24revealer]

I wish I had the same experience. I had a wood shop teacher that was a minister. He told me I would never get anywhere in life being a nice guy. I think he missed a few verses in his bible.

[@colinjohnson5515]

Love the workmanship and the patter makes it even better!

[@OldManTruck]

Love the vid. Got a sub from this. You reminded me of my ol hs autoshop teacher. Here I am near 50. You guys may never understand the impact you have on some kids lives.. Underrated profession. Thank you sir.

[@AndricLibreSinn]

This is the kind of thing where I take the plans and have a shop cut most of the metal for me and I just put together. I wish I had most of these tools. I can't wait to build one.

[@justinshields4216]

Awesome sense of humor there sir. Great craftsmanship as well!

[@Dongaz]

Epic, just what I needed to fabricate my own. Gotta agree with you, having a lathe and a welder makes your life so much less stressful knowing you can go and fix or make what you need.

[@fredshipp3809]

I sure like my mill too. One handy tool.

[@nickbedard1623]

It took me 25 seconds to get hooked on your videos. Awesome work my friend.

[@jackel440]

That is the best shop made finger brake ive seen yet. I'd like to build one like or similar to it. As a millwright by trade ive gotten spoiled by using our 8ft Krump finger break at work. This size machine would work well in my home fab shop. Great job on the design and making of it. Awesome video for sure

[@allenhunt3070]

So nice! I love overkill. You nailed that aspect.

[@akbychoice]

Nice work. I worked in a fab shop in the 80’s, our leaf break was very similarly built but on a much larger scale. We could bend 8’ of 1/4 A36 to 90°. Often we would bend narrow pieces of up to 3/4”. Then we got a larger hydraulic press break.

[@chancey47]

Re: power tapping A friend who owned a job shop got me started using 2 flute gun taps for tapping with a hand drill or drill press. I don't clamp the chuck down gorilla tight and the chuck slips before anything breaks. Be sure to clean the tap with a chip brush between holes (and even while on the same hole), just a little chip will bind things up. If it binds quick enough...SNAP!

[@dennisvestby4432]

Very nice I used to build many tools and apparatus’s to do the tasks on my farm after retirement from the military had to sit and figure out the procedure errors in construction are not mistakes if they are corrected and sometimes the error was an advantage in the finished product. I am a disabled vet and have no regrets. I always said my guardian angel guides me and protects me from fatal errors.

[@waynetokarz174]

Princess Auto, Mastercraft, polite patience and the relaxed suave demeanour, clearly a fellow Canadian! 😉🍻 love both the build and the video! I checked out your Chanel and subscribed, I have some catching up to do in between my own projects!

[@darrindouglas1]

Fluted taps FTW. Good holesaws for drilling large holes, then you get to keep the donuts as bosses for other projects. Been drilling and tapping, welding and machining since I started my apprenticeship 37 years ago..... Great vid, and an excellent project.....

[@billagnatovech1641]

I really enjoyed this build. Mostly for the commentary. So funny! If I had a shop teacher like you I would have stayed in high school. Lol (I'm 60). Keep them coming.

[@phillipwheatley]

power taps, also known as gun taps, are phenomenal. they work extremely well! they have a drill point on the tip which clear the chips out instead just them rolling as they cut. combine a gun tap with a tap driver for a 1/4" impact driver........woooooweee now were talkin! i use both regularly!

[@erniemathews5085]

Thanks for teaching me new stuff and the drill&tap refresher.

[@boltonky]

By Far one of the best builds i have seen :) ... so big thanks for the upload I do look forward to the day my equipment can do anything after spending what little i had to get it, then local electrical contractors changed their mind and tripled the cost of installation so couldn't afford it or earn money off the equipment to cover the cost....guess its like old cars its nice to look at but eventually you do start to wonder about your sanity haha

[@mopedmarathon]

You comment on grinder guards triggered my “angle grinder life advice” tip. Set the guard to flush with the bottom of the grinder, then cut the excess off the guard where it hangs over the front end of the gearbox housing. You now have a guard that will never need adjusting again because it’s at the optimum position at both of its ends. YOU’RE WELCOME PEOPLE!

[@gjqhryndgkyokploirby]

Thanks for the informative video and the free plans, which will be used in the near future.

[@stephenwgreen78]

Great video. I'm going to add this to my list of someday shop projects...which means when I really need it for another project I'll spend 2 days making it in a rush🤣😂 Thanks for making this.

[@69uremum]

Great project and great results!

[@aaronanthonymoat]

My fondest memories in collage was machining with carbide cutters. Blue 700deg chips flying everywhere. Got the cutting speed to a T. You should try the flute taps(Power taps). Put them in a hand drill with lots of cutting fluid and you can tap through 1/2 inch steel very quick. We used to use them tapping 304 stainless. Countersinking both sides is a must for alignment and just makes tapping easier. I personally hold the drill with both hands and support myself so I have complete control of the dill. For aluminum, The taps with a 30deg on the cutting edge works best. Always countersink. If you do break a tap which does happen, sharpen the tap you broke to a point like a center punch and hit out the broken one with it. Its far less material to remove compared to a conventional tap and it breaks up with a few good whacks. If you chip the cutting edge, Through it away, not worth it. Thanks for the video, Very entertaining

[@harveyedwards3725]

Your humour is great, I’ve watched this video every night for nearly a week ( more than once a night) I can see mistakes, but admire your skills. I’d like to ask questions and even see some plans, but don’t know how to. Anyway, keep teaching the kids ( and the adults) the kids are “Our” future. Thank you

[@GregWellwood]

Link to plans are in the video description.

[@mountainsprings3303]

Great build, thanks for sharing the plans. Subscribed

[@dimmer4955]

Tons of high-end technical routines that 98% of KZbinrs don't have access to.

[@jimclark1131]

YES, do not wear gloves when you are working with machinery. My Father worked at an automotive transmission design center and one of their female machinists ripped 3 of her fingers off wearing gloves while operating a clutch grinder there. Dad was in the room when it happened, and he wished he hadn't been. There was even a sign on the machine that said - Do Not Wear Gloves While Operating This Machine. Can be very dangerous. Great video, good build, I bet your classes are a lot of fun to attend.

[@BenMitro]

Leave a comment was the overwhelming message, so here it is. Loved what you built though and with a real, practical attitude to boot. Thanks!

[@masterdanprice2904]

Poor men have poor ways and they get the job done. So be proud of the way you did it. Awesome job

[@cammurray8453]

Once you get the clearance and tap drill sizes drilled, I sometimes use spiral point taps designed for power tapping. They can be used in a cordless drill with care. I tried spiral flute taps designed for power tapping blind holes. The spiral flute taps work well, but seem a bit more prone to breakage.

[@wolfparty4234]

I’m new to your channel!! I hit the subscribe button and you said to leave a comment if anyone knew how to drill and or tap... I know how to drill and tap with a drill!!!🙏🏻💪🏼🤣🤣🤣 Luv your energy and witty ness!! Keep it going my friend!!! I wish I had you as my teacher back in my days!!!

[@SuperSpecialty]

That was one of my specialties, while being employed by a naval shipyard… removing broken taps aboard submarines, but only on weekends (overtime pay x min 8hrs = $400). The word got around shipyard & shipforce, who could!

[@mcshawnboy]

Dude, I literally stumbled upon your channel and just a few minutes into your video I felt that I had to let you know that it reminds me of the Pexto brakes that we used in metal shop in the Baltimore City Public Schools in the mid-70s for boys & Home Ec for others, but that was a lifetime ago. I gave you a Subscribe, a Like & Rung That Bell like Scotty Kilmer says. And I have left a comment so that the algorithm recommends your video to others and I will be sharing the video with friends!

[@thebmac]

Nice job! Thanks for the video. I feel like the students ( the ones that actually want to be there I mean) enjoy your class. I'll be checking out more of your content for sure!

[@bluesman6955]

You are very passionate about teaching and it shows. Your students are very fortunate.

[@bluesman6955]

I watched your video a second time and plan on making a metal brake like yours. The drill bits you are using are called Silver and Deming. Best practice for hole layout is 2X the diameter of the hole for edge distance (1-1/2 diameter minimum). Not trying to be critical but I highly recommend safety toe shoes when working in the shop, in addition to safety glasses and hearing protection. I love your channel. The super seven is sweet. I road raced Datsun 510's in the 80's and am currently building a 510 rally car. Thanks so much for taking the time to make the videos.

[@GregWellwood]

Thanks! I almost always wear eye protection - I've wrecked enough glasses over the years from sparks. I usually wear form-fitted ear plugs; they fit under the face shield and the welding helmet. Toes are a good idea. I think I'm one of the only shop guys in the district that wears them at work, I should at home too.

[@jaysen2200]

She's a beaut ! Great build sir much love from Alberta

[@idus]

Everyone needs a lathe. I agree Great video Princess auto keeps the trade alive

[@AaronLKinney]

Haha, This was funny. Loved the commentary. Made me laugh the whole video.

[@Imwright720]

I’ll never need it but that’s very cool. Still going to watch the build and enjoy every minute.

[@steveu235]

Thanks especially for giving us the plans

[@johnwalker1471]

I built the same one a couple of years ago. It works pretty well.

[@robertcorrie6737]

I made a few T nuts that fit in the metal saw slot for clamping odd stuff . Just a little bit of info thanks for the great content from Saskatchewan

[@Mad.Man.Marine]

What a great video. Loved it. Good job!!! 👏

[@roddy46198]

A part from the milling of a few goods bits..... too many fabricators use machines that are way out of price range or ability for the week-end tinkerer. Once again knowledge and a way to make fun of a serious project win out, again. Luv the vid!

[@kellyjones334]

Very nice job on building that. I really enjoyed the video

[@Crewsy]

Just subscribed. Enjoyed your commentary and with all the Canadian things mentioned I was waiting to hear a mention for Timmies. Back in the early 80’s my Highschool in Ontario only had machine shop for grade 9 & 10. If they had it beyond that I think my whole career would have been different.

[@chriskrumm5910]

Nice pan brake, and I applaud your drawings. Love the comment on the plans: 'NEVER TRUST THE DRAWINGS.' I used to work in a retail fixture & casework industry, doing detailed manual and CAD drawings. 9 times out of 10 when a guy on the shop floor came up with a question, It'd be 'Read the drawing.' The information was there, and it was correct :)

[@GregWellwood]

Thanks!

[@freedtmg16]

First of your videos I've come across. Definitely subscribed, also Definitely a shop teacher vibe. Really remind me of my high school shop teacher, especially the dad jokes!

[@TheNameIwantedWasTkn]

Mate love the project! I’ve got absolutely no use for one so I probably won’t start building one until the weekend 👌

[@bobpurcell5662]

Thanks for the humour-laden instructable-like videos. You are a great teacher (shop or otherwise). You've the skill of TOT and AVE but lighter than both in a good way. I'm sure your self-effacing humour plays well in the shop/classroom. And yeah, DON'T wear gloves near spinning machines (my left index finger can layout an almost perfect 15° angle after a disagreement with a wire wheel). Glad I found your YT channel.

[@Chris-pz3cf]

Great video and design, thanks.

[@draxgoodall3685]

Your students are lucky to have a teacher like you!

[@dointh4198]

Man, that's gorgeous. And as drity as I usually do. For some holes I would have used centerpunches to transfer the measurement from one part to the other. That would have been a nicer and safer process. And the exentrics might could have been done easier with a 4-jaw chuck with individual jaws. These are not expensive and will fit to your import lathe. But I know - we have to do it with what we have. So thank you a lot. I might try my own build within the next months.

[@tomsdreamshopworx]

Great project! Absolutely love the humor!

[@johnmav8309]

Thank you! I exactly need you knowledge.

[@frankmcgorman962]

Well, this is a lot more involved than I can build on my own, and I don't know anyone that owns a mill or lathe, but I'm subscribing anyway 'cuz I think I may have found the Canadian version of "This Old Tony"... and you drive a Lotus Seven ... it doesn't get any cooler than that! Cheers and Happy New Year!

[@pnwRC.]

Fantastic video, THANKS for sharing. You've earned my subscription!

[@J1I9M7M4Y]

Thank you sir for sharing the plans. With access to a CNC plasma cutter that cuts up to 50mm this should be interesting. Just have to make the drawings in the computer and convert to metric measurments. Again, thank you very much!

[@andreiv8186]

I made the plans and converted them to metric. They are DWG. Give me your email if you want them.

[@rebuildranch1225]

Very cool! Thanks for a great video and sharing. Subscribed

[@asimpleton2.0]

Awesome build great skills and very very entertaining 😂😂

[@seanmccarthy9261]

love you and your humor. great videos

[@lourias]

I bet your classes are fun as all-get-out!

[@PedroRodriguez-xu1nk]

Amazing !! Usefull video, congratulations.!!

[@CharlieMoDank14]

Thank you for the plans!!

[@bluehornet6752]

That thing is bad-ass! Great job!!

[@dannywilsher4165]

Awesome content!!! Awesome design!!! Awesome narration!!! Awesome humor!!! Deserving my awesome subscribe!!!

[@gerryforce6344]

Thank you for the free Building plan from Germany. 👍

[@panos9582]

Excellent work mate,congrats

[@jamesnavarro386]

Excellent video! Thank you

[@mikehill4551]

I use a set of tap holders that you can use with your standard run of the mill Dewalt or whatever impact driver. I go a turn or two at a time and take it out all the way to clear the chips often. The only time I break a tap is if I ignore that the tap is dull which is easy to do when you don't want to run to the hardware store. I also go up a drill bit size if the holding strength isn't super critical.

[@tylerdavis8585]

If you never want to brake a tap again, use Coconut Oil!! I swear it works! No joke. I’m 100% serious. Try Coconut Oil on everything! I scoop a spoonful into an empty pill bottle and then apply it with a small paintbrush. You get a nice glob on and as soon as the tool gets warm it melts and soaks in and makes a beautiful cut

[@geobrown9413]

OK.... you have me convinced, just ordered some from Amazon. www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07MWV1R5R/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&psc=1 For $3 you cannot go wrong, plus it'll smell nicer than sulphur.

[@daneireland2903]

Enjoyed the commentary and loved the final product and hope to reach the ability level to build one.

[@GregWellwood]

You get better just by getting in there and doing it. I'm still very surprised when what I build actually works.

[@Salty4eva]

Amazing. Reminds me of Mr Mack( my jr high shop teacher). I’m sure the students will make some great things.