DIY Sheet Metal Brake / Bender for the Truck Camper Project!

[@MannyFontes1968]

Joe, you never disappoint with your projects...Can't wait to see the truck camper when it's done!👍

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Manny! I am excited also to see how it looks with the aluminum on….and because of some crazy winds we are having today I’m working on cleaning out the garage so I can put the panels on without contending with nature. So hopefully once that’s done I’ll be adding aluminum by the weekend😀

[@СергейДеркач-у7ю]

Awesome bending tool!!! But inch measurement system drives me crazy!!! Best regards from Russia!!!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you very much😊🙏 As for the measurements…. I know it’s not what most everyone else uses. But it’s what I learned and what I’m familiar with. And in the end it’s all convertible…. 1”= 2.54cm And good to hear all the way from Russia 🇷🇺 😊👍

[@СергейДеркач-у7ю]

@@homesteadonomics Thank you very much, Joe for your comment, would be easyer now to realize metric dimensions! All the Best to your family and awesome projects!!! Best regards from Moscow Russia!

[@Phillipkleinhans]

I agree, could you please do it again, but in millimetres?

[@bustr4063]

@@homesteadonomicsif you learned basic mathematics in primary school then you’ve learnt the metric system ahhahaha

[@DG-fn7qg]

There's a way to measure things other than inches?

[@roseapple8786]

Mr. Joe, you blow my mind on how you create a tool to help you on a project. This is amazing. Thank you for sharing and God Bless you and your family. 🥰👍👍👍👍👍

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Rose! God Bless you and your family as well😊🙏

[@lorencolt]

Do a truss brace on top of the hold down.

[@homesteadonomics]

That’s kinda what I added at about the 12:45 mark…. An addition piece of angle on the top of the main hold down and then I welded a crank handle so it adds force down and stiffens the middle of the main hold down piece. You can see when I crank the handle that is separates and creates the same kinda of tension that a truss brace would add. Atleast that’s how it makes sense in my head…. But I’m sure it’s not perfect 🤪 Thanks for checking it out😊🙏

[@rickcassell9613]

Once again , what a great addition to your toolbox. Wouldn’t expect any less from your skills 👍👍

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you very much Rick!

[@garystephens498]

You my sir are amazing. Your skills are unbelievable. I love how self sufficient you are. I regret I didn't learn more skills and pass skills along to my sons. Not dead yet though and trying to learn what at can at 54.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you very much! But remember that with these videos I get to show just the things that go smoothly and don’t always show the mistakes. So my skills may appear better than they are😉. And at 54 I’m not too far behind you so you’ve still got plenty of time to tinker and develop them to pass down to your sons….even if they’re adults now. Just find some smaller projects that you’d like to complete and before you know it, you’ll have gained more skills than you imagine. Thanks for checking out the video Gary😊🙏

[@markrjones]

I love it! Going to build a utility/camper shell, but don't have all of the necessary tools. Build the tools! I know you are making firefighters proud everywhere! Hope all is well out your way, Joe.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Mark! Hoping to start adding the panels this weekend!

[@blackberryhideout5793]

Sometimes we gotta make something so we can make something. ❤

[@homesteadonomics]

Yes indeed!

[@WA-eg7ft]

Tools make a ton of difference. Looks great so far

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@jalapenolover9213]

Bendonomics sheet metal brake coming to a store near you! Love it

[@homesteadonomics]

That would be cool!

[@shawnfromportland]

the design and engineering of the press looks really legit

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Shawn!

[@outdooreng4973]

What a nice gift 👍🏻👍🏻 I just began sheet metal brake project and i stuck on the hinge location Not centered and unfortunately i cut too much then confused and burned out And throw everything on the ground After watching this video i hope I got some motivation to fight back

[@homesteadonomics]

You know what…. I almost did the same thing. Easy to happen with a project like this. I cut those notches way too big and was concerned the weld shrinkage would offset everything. So I got some regular hinges and the way they sat, they definitely weren’t going to work without some spacers. And then I started thinking it’d all be too much and the spacers would give way. So I literally stopped and let it sit for a couple days before doing anything and just thought about it. And ended up with a clearer picture when I resumed. So perhaps a bit of time is what you needed to rethink it.

[@outdooreng4973]

@@homesteadonomics i already planned every thing on paper , but since i start building it in real i never realize what gonna happened, now i had some ideas to fix that ,thank you for help and sharing those mistakes . once i finish it i will film it to you.

[@lorenbush8876]

Thanks I actually have been thinking about building one of those, that looks like it turned out nice. Thanks and God bless you guys too.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you for checking it out Loren! God bless you and your family as well😊🙏

[@tompritch56]

Nice job, the break bender I used in machine shop. The arm that you lift had a counter weight to ease the bending process. But for your application that works great. Thanks for sharing

[@homesteadonomics]

I did see some professional ones that had the counter weights. But since I kinda muscle this one around, I didn’t want the extra stuff. But if I ever get a more substantial shop set up where I can place it more permanently, then I think that would be a nice addition.

[@lorenmeyer5290]

Great job Joe! It will work perfectly!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Loren!

[@tomtruesdale6901]

Very nicely done on that brake/bender. You will use it more than you figure now.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! And I think you’re right!

[@steffwicker]

It’s always so fun to see what you come up with next! You have an amazing mind 👏🏻👍🏻

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Stef! 😊🙏

[@MaryBrownForFreedom]

My cheap 36" Harbor Freight brake used a heavy and solid bar across the top of the work piece to clamp it, going from memory but it was 2x1" with one side beveled 45 degrees to make bends past 90...

[@homesteadonomics]

Yes I actually looked at that one in person at my local harbor freight when I was thinking about adding that crank handle to the top to stiffen it in a ‘truss brace’ kinda fashion

[@catgynt9148]

Another great design and build. Thanks for sharing this video. Like the addition of protractor on the edge; a handy visual reference. Wishing you and your family a blessed week. Peace brother

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! It’s not super ‘precision’ but I think it makes for a good ball park reference kinda thing

[@catgynt9148]

@@homesteadonomics I’m sure that you and Marley will find other projects to utilize that equipment.

[@Shed.therapy]

Just picked up some material from the scrap yard to build a sheet metal brake! This is about the same length I’m building too! I need to build some stuff for my flatbed.

[@homesteadonomics]

That sounds you got a fun build ahead! And a flatbed….lots of possibilities there!

[@stuartkorte1642]

Thanks for tip on the I-beam. I have an odd length one that I just found a use for. 😊 Since the A frame truss is the norm on brakes, I’d like to see a video short on how well your solution works. Another simple addition would be welding nuts behind the ends of the top piece. Put a bolt in to adjust and hold the forward/backward spacing.

[@homesteadonomics]

Nice! I love I-Beams…..just wish I could get more of them😂 And yeah the A-frame truss is definitely the norm and probably what I will go to if this current stiffener/crank handle setup downs work. But for this thinner stuff I’m thinking if should do well.

[@davestewart9146]

I’m very impressed, nicely done Sir 👍😁

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you kindly!😊🙏

[@mikek7193]

Another interesting, informative, and helpful video. Are you, or have you ever been a teacher or instructor in your career(s)? You have a delivery which is compelling and which makes your viewers want to pay attention and learn. There are more than a few ways in which your talents could be utilized by you or employers. Heck, your most important responsibility in life, your daughter, is already the beneficiary of her two primary teachers! Thank you again for sharing so much with your fans. Mike

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you very much Mike! No, I haven’t ever been a teacher…officially that is. But we do homeschool our daughter, so I guess I’d be kinda like a substitute teacher😂. My wife does the primary instruction and is far more intelligent than I am. But more to your point. I do enjoy showing/teaching things that I’m interested in. And in my fire service career I have done some small bits of teaching in our pump operator programs and a few days helping out with our academies. And I’d eventually like to do a full academy as an instructor….but the big draw back there is that I’d have to come off of my shift work and do the 7-5pm schedule. And I much prefer the 24hr shift schedule as we get larger chunks of time off.

[@garagejim1956]

3 dimensional thinking, well done!!!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Jim! 😊🙏

[@manuelgarcia-ds8wy]

you are a serius man, and good worked, excelent job, you should put two wheels

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! I will probably do that so I can move it around. Thanks😊🙏

[@billbarnes9718]

Welding in a piece of 1/4" on bottom of hold down angle may solve the flexing issue. Great job.

[@homesteadonomics]

I may have to revisit that in the future, but for now the stiffener piece and crank hand I added at 12:45 seems to have helped for this thinner stuff.

[@mister-action1]

Nice tutorial and nice touch with the decal.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you very much!

[@JB-mf1zc]

Mighty fine Joe very good project you will prolly get more use out of it in the future!! God Bless!!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! And I am definitely thinking I will. Probably a longer little brackets and maybe flashing trim pieces for small projects

[@ishtarlopez6203]

Hey howdy y'all! What up peeps, shout out to the Mayo clinic, first responders, nurses, and medical personnel/ professionals here in Phoenix Arizona, y'all rock! Thanks for taking care of my momma!🎉 What up Joe, this is so impressive! Is this Patent pending? 😅 dunno if I missed it or it's in the future works, but have you ever considered building one of those thing a mah jig tool boxes for your truck? I bet you could make a very handy one. I know you got a work shop etc. Or a first aid box with all the fixings? Anyhow, another mind blowing video you got here. We need t- shirts now with that logo. Lol, woot woot! 🙌 🎉🎉🎉 P.S. idk know the science behind this or where you got the idea to make your Bend O Nomics but I'm guessing a door hinge...😂

[@homesteadonomics]

Oh wow! Praying that your mom is doing well today! 🙏 As for the t-shirts..,. That logo is on the back of the shirts that are linked in this video 😊👍 www.bonfire.com/homesteadonomics/

[@ishtarlopez6203]

@@homesteadonomics Thanks!

[@randallthompson5769]

Great job !! I like the way you think, hit a hump go over it. Or make a tool to make life easier!! Thanks🙏🏻😎

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Randal! 😊🙏

[@skricha6743]

Wow, well done! Love it.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@kevinritchie9227]

Another great little project! Looking forward to more on the camper.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! And if all goes right the next video should be back to the camper project!

[@mister-action1]

I wish I had 1/10 the talent you have!!

[@homesteadonomics]

You do! Just start with small projects that you can tinker on. Some will go well and others may not go as well. But eventually you’ll hone those skills😊👍

[@mister-action1]

Oh, I'm 66 years old. I am mechanically inclined. But i don't think of things like that to build. You come up with great projects. I will try to think more. Lol..​@homesteadonomics

[@toronado455]

Fantastic tool! Great video!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you very much!

[@joycedimaggio3816]

A true craftsman

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Joyce!😊🙏

[@Asomesauc]

That is really cool.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@MrZeek101]

Great design! Love to build. So far new subscriber. I built one similar to this and put cam handles on the end instead of screws that pulls down. It's a lot easier than adjusting those screws every time you want to do a piece. Take care. Looking forward to the next video

[@FredMcIntyre]

Awesome job Joe! 😃👍🏼👊🏼

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Fred!

[@deezynar]

That is top level work there, amigo.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@mlb6d9]

Nice design and execution - really like the Bend-O-Meter idea!

[@nickbarlow9697]

I love seeing the process. The right tool for the job makes building even more zen. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@dtanner7]

Awesome!! So glad for your creativity and talent. Love watching your videos.

[@nymack66]

What an amazing and simple build, thank you. I will be making one for myself, I have a few metal bending projects pending and needed one.

[@ishsiriram6646]

Nicely done. Thank you for sharing. Busy building one myself FOR MY 76 f100 BIN build...from South AFRICA

[@nancycook3733]

Great job, thank you for taking the time to make the video, angles are great! Good idea for the angle guides

[@wdwtx2.0]

That definitely should get the job done.

[@homesteadonomics]

I’m hoping so…..the side panels are what I’m most concerned about.

[@ToolsPlus-z7k]

We built sheet metal brakes for many years. For your first and only one, you did ok. The next one would be much better, and the third one would really be nice. The issue is how much time and money would be spent? Sometimes it's better to buy one, then to build 3.

[@slizzilin]

This is hilarious, I was just looking at buying a brake for my projects! One of which includes a diy bed camper. Thanks for the tips and tricks! Got my sub

[@espnmk]

Joe i have not got a project for a tool like that, but that is Genius great job. Thanks for Sharing!

[@carlos92161]

Awesome job god bless you knowledge personally I really appreciate it for teaching us

[@GlasshouseandGarden]

I never want to need to build an angle bender thingy and could not get within a country mile of making one of the same quality you have 🤣. Doesn't stop me enjoying the videos and marvelling at your skill in the build and finish...

[@raullywhere3602]

Always Great! I learn something New Every time. You have a great approach at solving the problems as they arise. Thanks!

[@Llamadosalvaje]

WHIT LOVE FROM CHILE 🇨🇱 thank you so much for all your amazing skills! Your inspire me every day☺️

[@jerrygibs8120]

Enjoyed watching your skill and creativity at work. Appreciate your sharing. Blessings of safety, health, strength, wisdom and success in Jesus's Name. ☝🙏🙌💪👍❤

[@hubertrobinson8825]

Well done thats profesionally made like your style if its not available make it in my late teens i use to air up our farm tractor tires with a foot pump then i got an old air tank from trailer a 2hp electric motor an ac pump from an old ford pickup and built my first air compressor

[@Alvawelding20]

great video, thanks for sharing.

[@seanpaula8924]

The file cabinet underneath sold me 👍👍✌️

[@migmagingenieria]

Pretty cool project!!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@kymmarshall1116]

That’s a very good build and a handy tool that will make your job so much easier.

[@mattchilders3123]

Nice elk antlers in the background at 14:44-45 time frame Joe.

[@branchandfoundry560]

Great useful tool build, Joe! I built my 40 ton press brake, but it's no substitute for a box break like this and it's only 50" width capacity. Had to cut the pan in half, bend and weld back together on the stainless chimney cap I just made, which caused a ton of warping. Only so much space in the shop for large tools at this point though 🙂

[@Jacob-64]

Thast's a great build good job . I have a need for a metal break in my shop ,so if I may I'm going to replicate your build .

[@Adnancorner]

Maybe if you read this comment, perhaps if you can tell us how a new person who have never worked in wood working can set up a table, a cutting board for wood, wood working tools, a place to start doing the wood projects. I have been watching you for a very long time even though I am not from America but I like the information and knowledge that you share. I just am requesting if you have time perhaps it may be a new vid for you, as new content and as well help us newbies who are interested into wood working.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! I will keep that in mind for a future video!

[@homemadetools]

Good job on a hefty sheet metal brake. We shared this video on our homemade tools forum last week 😎

[@danielfisch655]

Great job and thank you for sharing.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thanks for checking it out Daniel!

[@ronaldcummings6337]

Really nice!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Ronald!

[@mwebb-01]

This saves a whole lot of dough.

[@gordiefrench1557]

man that is a badass bender great job

[@ShopTherapy623]

Such a cool project! I wish I could weld!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! And now is as good a time as any to try your hand at welding. My very first welder was a wire feed from harbor freight. Not great by any means…..but it stuck metal together and provided the opportunity to learn. As a matter of fact I think my “DIY mountain board” project was made on that thing.

[@DavidM2002]

Super interesting to watch. I'm interested in your thoughts on the bending radius of some of your aluminum sheets. They look awfully tight which may make them subject to cracking. It may also be the camera angle. They sure look good though.

[@Miguelgarciaftw]

One of the best I’ve seen so far

[@georgepap8604]

Perfect as usual well done

[@flailnation7877]

Look at trusses on commercial benders. They are there to stop those leaves from bending.

[@mr.makeit4037]

I would have used larger barrel hinges, similar to the ones used on trailers with lift tailgates. I built a similar sheet metal bender, and had to change the barrel hinges with larger ones as the welds started to break and tear into the hinges. The the steels thickness and weight are just to much for small hinges over time.

[@homesteadonomics]

Yes, that would be a good idea. Thank you😊🙏

[@kfatbob1]

Just subscribed!! Man you do it all. Thanks for sharing.👍🇦🇺

[@jamesyalo1365]

Great work, it helped me a lot.

[@miguiaculiacan]

Excellent vid, really enjoyed it thanks !

[@oklahomesteader]

great design, thanks for the video!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you very much!

[@matteonicoli]

very interesting! could tell how you make score that is straight? and measure straight?

[@TurkiAlsubiee]

Nice jobs your fan from Saudi Arabia

[@mardyfisher693]

Beautiful man!

[@hollyblake8516]

How do you get steel for free I look in the scrap pile at local metla supplier and its still an arm and a leg

[@homesteadonomics]

Well, in actuality it’s more of a trade I guess. It was in a friends scrap pile heading to a “sell by the pound” place and I offered to trade him some tubing that he could more readily use. But it was just easier to say free than to talk about the whole trade thing😂

[@hollyblake8516]

@@homesteadonomicsyou keep me inspired. Keep doing you, and if you bless us with free content I'll be here watching and learning.

[@danielhornos7923]

Muy buena la expresión se le agradece 👍

[@scroungasworkshop4663]

Well done mate👍 Stuart🇦🇺

[@rogertaylor8615]

That's pretty neat

[@kenl5217]

I wonder if it's better to score the inside or outside of the bend

[@MaryBrownForFreedom]

inside creates room for the material to move, outside would leave a gap as it bent and maybe even a tear...

[@homesteadonomics]

Mary’s points are spot on😊👍

[@DeepVlogsChulkanaDham]

Great 👍👍. Love from India

[@rudymagarin6292]

BUEN TRABAJO GRACIAS POR LA INFORMACION SALUDOS

[@adrianaaraujo8634]

Nice job!

[@joerodriguez3338]

Cool buddy. Nice jod.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Joe!

[@jeboutdoors377]

Hello Mr joe what do you think of metal i need to build one to bend flat rolls of the 3'wide roof metal to put on a camper. I like to build a 4' and a 9' bender to make corners for the campers and other things. And how much would you charge to make the plans for me to go off of to build them. Thanks for the awesome and amazing videos you do.

[@homesteadonomics]

Oh boy….for a 9’ one I think you’d need a super stiff hold down piece. Like maybe an old road grader blade or something as that’s quite a bit longer than my setup. But ultimately it’d depend on the thickness/gauge metal you were ending. As for plans I don’t really do them as they’d probably look like a guys at the bar drew em’ up on a napkin😂

[@jeboutdoors377]

@@homesteadonomics ok i understand that thanks for responding back.

[@CongRaoDepVlog]

Chế tạo bàn chấn góc rất hay 👍

[@sociopathmercenary]

You're definitely receiving an invitation to my zombie apocalypse compound. 😂 Thanks for all the great project ideas!

[@homesteadonomics]

😂👍 I’ll accept!!!!

[@Handirifle]

I know you are a big guy, but how do you move that sucker? Great build.

[@MichianaFisherman]

Well done!

[@leeknight9063]

Awesome build. curiosity question, how thick of sheet metal do you think you can bend with it?

[@wayawolf1967]

I would like to build a brake to do 8 ft stuff. 98 inches should be sufficient. Hydraulic cylinder to do the work. Hinge the whole thing horizontally off of a 6x6 post in my shop so I can swing it out of my way. Maybe even swing it under a workbench ? I build custom trailers and flatbeds mostly but have wanted to do slide in campers for a while. Material prices are so darn high now it is very important not to make any mis-bends or over brakes. A few wrong moves and the profit margin is gone.

[@ansonlee2251]

what springs did you use to hold the andle iron up

[@smithsalesco.auctioneersmi8600]

Nice Job.

[@jpreddy3947]

Hi, I don't know if I am late into your build and missed the point. My question is, if you are lifting the build on one jack at a time, will your camper box be not stretched irregularly and distort the fixed parts including the door , windows and storage units? I may have missed it , but did you do any synchronised lift system ( example, installation of actuators) for all the 4 tubular jacks to operate in a calibrated manner? JP Reddy , Architect & Interior Designer