Building and Testing a Homemade Hydraulic Press Brake

DXF files and build plans available here:
www.etsy.com/listing/11636048...
I built this press brake in my personal shop. Some key features:
• Adjustable hydraulic jack locations - jacks slide side-to-side for optimal positioning dependent on work piece thickness and width
• Spring compensated and adjustable gauge rods for consistent and accurate repeat bends. Compression springs prevent damage to the gauge system in the event that the stop point is accidentally exceeded
• Upper and lower bending dies built from cold rolled 1018 for a typically higher material hardness than the workpiece
• Bottom die assembly that uses two 1.5 inch diameter cold rolled solid round rods
• Bending die will be cut into fingers to allow for box and pan bending operations
• Hydraulic jacks plumbed together for simultaneous operation but can also be operated individually for level adjustment
• I opted to use two 20 ton air over hydraulic jacks
• Adaptable, adjustable, modular, and easily repairable design utilizing minimal welding of components onto the main frame
For further viewing, here is a video of the press brake in action being used to build a wood fired pizza oven:
• Building and Testing a...
#pressbrake #homemade #homebuilt #shoptools #homemadetools #brakepress #hydraulicpress #cncplasma #industrialfabrication #cncplasmacutting #customfabrication #metalwork #welding #fabrication #steel #steelfabrication #fabricationshop #welding #hypertherm #millerwelders #mig #tig #fabshop #custombuilt #industrialwelding #diypress #diypressbrake #diybrakepress

[@josephcitizen4195]

The adjustable position of the jacks is brilliant. Nice job all around, very impressive.

[@damonbeasley9831]

Awesome work, Chris! Really impressive, sir.

[@jerichoarmstrong5593]

Awesome build .This was my first video of yours . I'd like to see more of your shop and more builds . Keep it up .

[@devinmoore4172]

Great build!! We have one similar with pneumatic jacks. We took the air hose with the handles and replaced them with a foot pedal. I’m sure you’ve already thought about it or have seen one, but if not it would be a great addition to your press!

[@1960jelliott]

Great design! Your "personal" shop is the thing that dreams are made of! And your workmanship is impeccable.

[@customfabricated5687]

Thanks!

[@franzoi7309]

Congratulations for the build, really well done!!!

[@davidnation4437]

One of the best build videos I’ve seen. Awesome.

[@joewhitney4097]

Nice Brake, great work. Thanks for sharing.

[@ronrinock6943]

Nice build. Wow that's a lot of cutting with an abrasive saw!

[@tureiharris7807]

Thanks for that, enjoyed every bit of it.

[@timhill4451]

Nice work! I built one about 10 years ago that uses the same jacks on a T like you use. I used grader blade for the upper die. I like the idea of the 1.5” round I want to change my lowers to that. I have bent 3/16”x 6’ on mine. Thank you.

[@homemadetools]

Nice press brake. We shared this video on our homemade tools forum this week 😎

[@robertbraun9754]

Super nice build. Very professional and really fun to watch. Thank you for posting a detailed "How To" on instructables.

[@rdspeedfab]

Fantastic build.

[@customfabricated5687]

Thank you!

[@RC-Heli835]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@yaitsjo8162]

What a friggin masterpiece 😍 beautiful work!

[@customfabricated5687]

Thanks!

[@donsmith9081]

You are extremely Talented! Thanks for the vid.

[@greatdane3343]

Very nice job mate!

[@customfabricated5687]

Thanks!

[@neriksso]

This is my kind of project! Creating something so that’s it is possible to create more 👍

[@Sodabowski]

Impressive beast!

[@MrNytrosdad]

Wow you got skills... nice job!!

[@customfabricated5687]

thanks!

[@Andrelopez99]

Thanks for sharing

[@theolathrop8343]

Well Done!!

[@KhaledLababidi-gq8xx]

great job

[@bscene3397]

Dam... Nice work. 💪

[@sofitadesse1150]

Nice work..!!

[@customfabricated5687]

Thanks!

[@stephenburnell3573]

Awesome job!! I’d love to get your plans and build one for my shop. Its just what I’m looking for.

[@customfabricated5687]

Thanks! I just finished compiling all of the DXF files and putting together some guidance documents for folks to build this press themselves. Here's a link to the Etsy location: www.etsy.com/listing/1163604811/dxf-files-and-build-plans-63-inch?ref=listing_published_alert

[@luisherrera6427]

Excelente idea te felicito

[@techworksinfo]

Good work bro

[@customfabricated5687]

Thanks!

[@poopassman1538]

Awesome!

[@robinfleming5086]

Very good . Now I have another project when I retire .

[@customfabricated5687]

Here's a link to all of the DXF files along with some guidance for fabrication: www.etsy.com/listing/1163604811/dxf-files-and-build-plans-63-inch?ref=listing_published_alert

[@artfenoxserralheria]

Fantastic

[@bradfordcustoms7588]

Really makes me want to build one.

[@customfabricated5687]

Do it! It’s a great machine to have around

[@bradfordcustoms7588]

@@customfabricated5687 already on it! Almost done with my 50T now

[@marianacostamagna5537]

hermosa maquina, muy buen diseño

[@DanLance100]

"Adjustable position jacks" what an excellent idea ! An overall outstanding build !!! I am glad I am subscribed to your channel :):):)

[@talleresatram9235]

Awesome

[@MrNytrosdad]

Do a shop tour some time, its nice to see how an organized shop works...if you dont mind..

[@customfabricated5687]

Will do!

[@tdmallet]

Man, beautiful, solid build. Plans please.

[@customfabricated5687]

Thanks! Full build plans and dxf files are available on Etsy under my username Custom Fabricated

[@jasdunlop9907]

Good job just need a splash of paint now

[@tonywagner6911]

I just ran across your video nice work. I’m getting ready to build a Cnc plasma table. Have you ever needed a bigger one. I’m trying to decide on size

[@luispablomartiz]

What amazing project… how do you control the lower limit to avoid higher pressure on bending fixture… it could be a big problem… if you answer my question is high appreciated

[@raymondnicodemus]

Awesome.. Can that thing for create street pole with 3mm thickness??

[@dixeyfuly]

way to go

[@deathwrenchcustom]

This is great from a brute force perspective, but have you thought about segmented dies so that you can do more complex shapes (i.e. allow parts of the material to arc DOWN while forming other parts)?

[@customfabricated5687]

Yes the machine was designed such that you can modify and build an infinite amount of custom dies to suite whatever form you’re looking for. It was all designed to be adaptable. As it sits here, the upper die can be cut into segments in order to facilitate box and pan bending operations

[@jakeowens1770]

truss analysis would have saved some fabrication time. great build, can i buy it for 1000?

[@chouahibben5687]

super videos avez vous les plans de fabrication je voudrais en faire une pour mon atelier merci

[@martin116900]

Very cool and high quality build. Your plasma cut parts look good on the video, but I couldn’t help but to noticed that it looked like you have your cuts programmed to run in the wrong direction, or are the videos mirrored? I’m under the impression that you want your inside contours running counterclockwise and outside contours running clockwise, for the least amount of cut angle. Have you had the chance to test the maximum bending capabilities of it yet? Very well thought out build!

[@customfabricated5687]

Thanks! For the precision and tolerances I’m after I never really pay much attention to my travel direction on the cnc plasma. I have heard what you mentioned though. I usually adjust my cut directions based more on my pierce location and how close I’m getting to edges of a sheet as to provide as much stability for the part throughout the entire cut. I’ve bent full length 3/16in material on the machine with no issues!

[@dunavungoeckner6495]

Does anyone know how he keeps the jacks in sync so the work piece bends equally across the break? Thanks!

[@juannavarro-qs4ec]

😊

[@hectorrivera7703]

I know this has been asked before but I'd ask again. I think there is enough people in here interested in buying your plans and or DXF files. Interested in selling them?

[@customfabricated5687]

I just finished compiling all of the DXF files and putting together some guidance documents for folks to build this press themselves. Here's a link to the Etsy location: www.etsy.com/listing/1163604811/dxf-files-and-build-plans-63-inch?ref=listing_published_alert

[@alistairparker6650]

I'm preparing to build a 4' press brake that can bend 1/4" mild steel. If I use three 20 ton jacks, do you think that will be too difficult to synchronize with a 1 to 3 manifold? Also, I'm considering modifying the jacks to work upsidedown for more clearance- have you had any issues with your material hitting the bottom of the jacks when bending over 90 degrees? Nice build, by the way!

[@customfabricated5687]

Thanks! I’ve seen folks use 3 jacks with success. They’ll definitely get out of sync a bit but it can be managed. I designed the height of my upper die holder such that I can still achieve over 90 degrees of bend before material clashes with the base of the jacks. I used air over pneumatic jacks for my machine and I think those might have issues if used upside down

[@natalemaggiore53]

Hi, I wanted to know how many bars of pressure are needed to make the pistons work?

[@beautychill1130]

1000$ wow . i want to buy it

[@kushlendra1000]

Sir can you please share a video how to make a home made plazma

[@void7814]

Can you post to grabcad?

[@H34...]

What did you use for slides/guides for the upper movable die? Are they just running in slots or something else?

[@customfabricated5687]

The upper die is captured within a slot. The hydraulic jacks are movable (side to side). The jacks sit atop some custom base plates that have an underside slot that runs along the top of the upper die assembly.

[@stephendupont9293]

I'm in the process of designing one very similar to yours on CAD as I type this to build in my shop. One thing I noticed is the 1.5" cold rolled for the bottom die assembly. Any particular reason you went with this over over the more common "V" bottom die?

[@boyracer1988]

I think when you’re bending thick material it’s better to have the round, i know smaller set ups run the V often. This is heavy duty though..I could be wrong but in my head that makes sense 😂

[@customfabricated5687]

I went with two solid round bars for the bottom due mainly to save myself some time from having to machine or procure a bottom V. I can certainly switch to a bottom V at any time. The round rods also allow for width adjustability using shims

[@marcosanchez6167]

Yo acuso una así para costa rica

[@faniehyman6519]

How can i get in touch with the engineer builder

[@shawnhengstebeck9684]

Awesome build! Interested in selling plans?

[@tdmallet]

Yeah, i second that. I'd buy them in a heartbeat.

[@crazycoww000]

me too

[@customfabricated5687]

I just finished compiling all of the DXF files and putting together some guidance documents for folks to build this press themselves. Here's a link to the Etsy location: www.etsy.com/listing/1163604811/dxf-files-and-build-plans-63-inch?ref=listing_published_alert

[@customfabricated5687]

@@tdmallet Here's an Etsy link to the DXF files and some fabrication guidance documents: www.etsy.com/listing/1163604811/dxf-files-and-build-plans-63-inch?ref=listing_published_alert

[@customfabricated5687]

@@crazycoww000 here you go! www.etsy.com/listing/1163604811/dxf-files-and-build-plans-63-inch?ref=listing_published_alert

[@blacksprucedesigns]

Do the plans provide everything you need in this? Fittings, bolts, jacks etc? Or just the general layout?

[@customfabricated5687]

Yes all details that you would need to build the machine are included with the plans! Over 130 copies of these plans have been purchased and many customers have shared their finished machines. If you run into any questions during the build, send a message through Etsy and we will answer and support asap. www.etsy.com/listing/1163604811/dxf-files-and-build-plans-63-inch

[@surajsahu3123]

How can i make 100 ton machine?

[@kushlendra1000]

Good morning sir

[@BogdanConstantin]

If possible make the plans available on etsy, I would pay for them.

[@customfabricated5687]

I just recently got the plans together! Here's the Etsy link: www.etsy.com/listing/1163604811/dxf-files-and-build-plans-63-inch?ref=listing_published_alert

[@eduardoenriquez5701]

would you share/sell your plans or cad models ?

[@customfabricated5687]

I just finished compiling all of the DXF files and putting together some guidance documents for folks to build this press themselves. Here's a link to the Etsy location: www.etsy.com/listing/1163604811/dxf-files-and-build-plans-63-inch?ref=listing_published_alert

[@huzefamohamedali991]

Can I buy one from you?

[@charliewaxler6181]

I know it’s kind of weird but I was wondering if I could possibly get some plans because I want to make a similar design press

[@customfabricated5687]

I have a full set of build plans and dxf files available at the link below. Several folks have used these plans to build their own machine: www.etsy.com/listing/1163604811/dxf-files-and-build-plans-63-inch

[@tomthompson7400]

A great result , and a total bargain.

[@kevinmillage9034]

If you want to sell it reach out to me. Nice work!

[@lawnmowermandavid]

Nice job! What is the working height of the v die base and the overall height of the press from the ground up

[@customfabricated5687]

Thanks! The working area sits at 40 inches high and the overall machine is 80 inches tall

[@user-kh2yl6nn3l]

Great job, thanks for the video . :)

[@JoSoulify]

Make it custom press brake

[@justinanderson6809]

Do you sell these?

[@customfabricated5687]

Hello, I have a full set of build plans and DXF files available such that folks can make their own. They're availabe here on etsy: www.etsy.com/listing/1163604811/dxf-files-and-build-plans-63-inch?click_key=26aaf31a1d41e214ab6a020d19f09cbf500635ba%3A1163604811&click_sum=1e665912&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=press+dxf&ref=search_grid-459952-1-1&sts=1

[@kushlendra1000]

Can you please share your bending machine 3d data 🙏 please it's a request from India

[@customfabricated5687]

I have the full build plans available on Etsy: www.etsy.com/listing/1163604811/dxf-files-and-build-plans-63-inch?ref=listing_published_alert

[@nickmagoulianos7828]

Add me to the plans list. I'd buy the plans as well.

[@customfabricated5687]

Here's a link to the Etsy location for the DXF files and some guidance documents for folks to build this press themselves: www.etsy.com/listing/1163604811/dxf-files-and-build-plans-63-inch?ref=listing_published_alert