Homemade sheet metal brake

[@peterimmington549]

A lesson i learnt from my late dad, never pay another person to do something you can do your self. Never buy anything you can make cheaper as long as it will do the job to the standard you require. The enjoyment when you stand back and take in something you have made is second to none in my opinion.

[@theoldbigmoose]

Sounds just like my Dad! My Pops could do anything with his "golden hands" except an automatic transmission. I sure wish he was still alive when I did my first one! Had to R&R it twice, but I finally got it right and put another 150K miles on it.

[@peterimmington549]

@@theoldbigmoose my dad was the same he could do anything, He's been gone 14 years now i wish i had is knowledge, i've been thinking alot about him today because my old mum passed away last night.

[@theoldbigmoose]

@@peterimmington549 My sincere condolences Pete on the loss of your Mother. I remember those days like yesterday... My Pops was my right hand, and I was his. I never tired of holding the torch for him when he was working on our cars... I concentrated and kept it "right where he told me to." He's been gone since '82... not a day goes by that I don't think of him and Mom and all the things we did together.

[@peterimmington549]

@@theoldbigmoose Thankyou.

[@parrotraiser6541]

Adam Smith wouldn't agree with him. See "The Wealth of Nations".

[@desmond1281]

I found this channel a few months ago, and I never stop being amazed by your ingenuity. You're a very clever guy.

[@BM-xc9sq]

Fitzee, you're a man after my own heart. I'm old school also. I too built a similar brake about 1988. On the crank downs, I put a couple old valve springs. I am lucky enough to have a bridgeport mill. It's a 1962 model that I have made parts for and rebuilt. I knife edged the clamp for a sharper bend and made some radius dies to bend radius. I'm 70 yrs old and work in my shop everyday. Like you, I enjoy making my own tools.Praise to you my fellow fabricator. I enjoy watching your videos and have picked up a lot of your tips. Thank you

[@RaysLaughsAndLyrics]

Thanks for the tour of your Brake. You called it a vice then corrected your mispeak. It jogged my memory. The thread pitch on a vice are very similar to threads on a caging bolt for air brake spring brake chambers. They are 1/2" bolts about 5" in length and threaded full length. They have a matching nut and flat washer. Most truck repair shops toss old ones in the recycle bin. Being a scrounger myself, I have rescued several for projects where a 'quick turn' thread is needed. They might be useful for anyone building their own Brake using your 'Nothing Fancy' design. Good health and long life to you and yours.

[@findvoltage]

I watched this yesterday, i went to the scrap metal dealer today and found most parts i need to build this folder. also found 6" and 3" and 1 1/2" round for the roller jig. Just got to finish off the 200 or so jobs layn around hear now. Great channel. Wont be buying kgs of bog no more.

[@vincenthanson2125]

Thank you so much Fitzee!! I'll be building my own "Fitzee's Brake" soon. Thank you again.

[@MrLangleylad]

Fitzee, you never cease to amaze me ! . Every young person that is interested in our hobby should watch your videos . Thanks for sharing your knowledge, even us old guys can learn a great deal from you . Cheers

[@danekurtz2518]

You make Fabrication seem like common sense. You are an invaluable addition of knowledge to this place. THANK YOU for all of your videos.

[@SoFlaGuy612]

There's elegance in simplicity, especially these days! Thanks for sharing, pleasure to watch your videos!

[@BrucePierson]

Thanks for the guided tour of your sheet metal brake. I'm planning to make my own one day, so I'll be referring back to your video for construction tips. I have some of the materials I'll need already and a trip to the local metal recyclers should yield the other bits I'll need. By the way, you were referring to nuts as bolts, but we knew what you meant! All the best from Queensland Australia.

[@fitzeesfabrications]

Haha was wonder if someone would pick up on that. After 30 years I still get this ass backwards from time to time. Only shows I'm like everybody else. Far from perfect!. Thanks for watching.

[@michaelmerta8956]

You are great person and really appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences and skills. Love to watch your stuff. I'm from Europe originally an live here for more than 44 years now and have to make to your neck of the woods.

[@alchag4988]

I love your channel I'm actually building my own sheet metal brake hope you have a great day

[@franstolsma554]

Hi Fitzee, I have seen you using that bender multiple times and seen it works. Thanks for sharing your way of building it and the tips and tricks to use. I love it when you show it can be done without expansive costs. Wonderful to know.

[@mattthescrapwhisperer]

I like your style Fitzee. I'm a retired tin bender with a commercial/industrial/shipyard background. I did a lot of field fabrication with just hand tools. If you know what you're doing and have a good eye, you can sure make some quality stuff with simple tools. Thanks for the great content on your channel.

[@dean3405]

I enjoy your channel hell your my hero. I was raised working for a feller like you from 11 till I got out of high school. Thanks for reminding me of those memories.

[@catmogguy]

I have always been into custom cars but since watching your channel I've become very interested in fabrication making tools to do the job. brilliant

[@nobodyspecial6436]

Dat dere is good ol’ Newfie ingenuity my friend.... I was raised the same way... my old man never believed in buying what you could build or paying someone to do something he could do himself ( well not quite by himself)... That trait has been passed on to me... We live in a disposable world today and unfortunately these traits are disappearing rapidly...keep up the good work....

[@amateurknight235]

Once again a top piece of kit made simple by a top man much respect to you Sir keep em coming Fitzee the most realistic and down to earth guy on here cheers

[@tommyjakobsson3672]

Thank you for sharing your ideas and experience. I´m impressed by your ingenuity and skills. I´m an 70 years old swedish guy that has been working professionaly as a car tinsmith for a couple of years, but mainly been reparing old junk to drive in. I´m now about to restore a Volvo Duett that needs a lot of bodywork and I will make use of your hinst in that work. I´m a memeber in a swedish group on Facebook for professional and amateur car tinsmiths, where we share information, and I have informed the members of many of your clips on You Tube, which has been appreciated. Keep up the good work.

[@mikescudder4621]

Cheers Fitzee! I'm getting geared up to make one... yours is one of the better ones i've seen and one of the better demonstrations too!! I'll be changing the design i was going for....

[@grahamsmith5252]

I am out on the West Coast of Canada and know exactly what you mean by making do with what you have on hand. I have learned a ton from these video's and have applied that to the '47 Willys Jeep project I am working on, although I must say I shed a tear when you said the base for the brake was made from an old Jeep bumper, and here I am looking for one .

[@NewRiverRepair]

Fitzee thanks for a detailed explanation of your brake. I’m not new but you always show a different and clever way of getting the job done. Ive told other old guys about your time saving methods and just plain smart ways to simplify and not making the project overly difficult Thanks for showing the Fitzee method sir!

[@robertchall8576]

It doesn't matter what you have if you don't know how to use it. That break been working for 20 years you done a good job.

[@rafaelallenblock]

So glad I found your channel! You're the man!

[@stevenwithanS]

I made one out of a couple grader blades. I always make what I need. Grew up in the middle of nowhere. If something broke, we had to fix it. Love your videos.

[@Jacob-64]

That there is ingenuity at it's best ,as you said it's earned it's keep these last 20yrs .Love theses type of videos . Well done Sir I need one of these myself hence why I'm here .

[@jimmulone2422]

Thanks man! I will be putting this idea to use for my own shop. I have come to a point wheee I no longer want to pay the money for tools. And yes the enjoyment comes from making things with your own hands!! Thanks for the info and inspiration!

[@guillermonieri4203]

I watched this a second time, as I think I can modify the small metal brake I bought about 3 years ago from Harbor Freight, based on your brake, and make mine much easier to use. Thank you again.

[@mikealdag7309]

thank you fitzi , great video , I'm building one now due to the 4 ft brake I had was not able to bend 18 or 16 gauge I'm not a fan of weak tools that are expensive , so I purchased 4x4x 5/8 angle iron and a 8x2 x1/4 channel , building my brake now , I am going to surface the end for the brake itself but it's going to be raw and strong , you've had some great ideas with this build z I like the bolts for cranking it down , I'm going to try to do the same on mine , looks very handy and functional.

[@69Judge]

You're an insperation to all shade tree mechanics and heavy duty tinkerers. I'm going to build mine this fall. Tanks abunch..!;!

[@NialPowerCork]

Nice one, I have made the bits to make one, they’re sitting there ready I’ll assemble and finish it over the winter, much like this one. All the bits more or less from scrap. I’ll re watch this before I finish so thanks for the video, as always it’s bang on and practical. I love using scrap.

[@mikemcgown6362]

Thank you for the video! I've been wanting to make a brake of my own, (and just got the necessary kick when my father-in-law asked me to repair the rocker panels on his car) but I wasn't sure how to go about it. Your video made complete sense out of mud! Made me ask "why didn't I think of that!" Thanks for the video!

[@foxmaine3921]

I hand made a lot of parts in the body shop and every now and then I learned something new. I learned a lot of things watching you. My hat's off To you! Thank you sooooo much for all of your fantastic videos.

[@randynason2822]

The best brake is the one that gets the job done. Was going to buy one but after watching this video i will just build one, your design if great, extremely affordable and worth the effort. Thanks Fitzee!!

[@apollorobb]

Im the same way why buy something when you can build it the way you want it.And you have the satisfaction of building it yourself.

[@malcolmchadwick4047]

I agree, making your own things gives so much satisfaction. I made a rotisserie for turning my cousins car over so we could weld the suspension mounts. I was pleased with how it turned out could turn the car in a single garage.

[@labrd41]

One of the best channels on KZbin. Always happy to see a new video pop up.

[@billsmith5166]

I'm watching one of your vids a day and I get like 10 good ideas every time. Great job on the brake. Stay healthy.

[@bobjones1620]

True Newfoundlander! Make do with what’s around or what you can piece together! Never throw anything away! Everything can be repurposed! Love the fact you don’t even want an over priced precision made break! The fun is in the fabrication! Respect!!

[@shadestradingpostcom]

nice video , good use of what you had laying around , I am thinking of doing some first time sheet metal work on a 1980 Datsun 720 pickup , and I have been watching all your videos on how you done things . Thanks , next step is getting a welder and play around with welding some sheet metal up . I can't wait you make it look fun, but I know there alot of work in there .

[@michaeljones7241]

You are a true craftsman and a genius. I find it hard to believe you don't have 500K subscribers.

[@thomasbunch8476]

You don't need pretty tools to build nice cars. Great video as always. You have the heart of a teacher.

[@powerwagontales4955]

This is an invaluable tool. They say it is not the golf clubs that makes a player, but how the player can use the clubs he has at his disposal! Semper Fi!

[@fitzeesfabrications]

Well said!

[@rickolson9011]

Great tips on bending strategies and sequences. I’d be happy to build a brake just like yours!

[@adorcalma1455]

Salamat at napanuod ko ito,marami akong pinanuod pero hindi ko makita ang gusto kong makita katulad ng nasa utak ko...sayo ko pala makikita yun..salamat fitzee's...gagawa ako katulad niyan...mag iipon lang ako ng pera...medyo mahal din, kasi mahaba ang gagawin ko pang 8feet na liso...pero ganun pa man maraming salamat....

[@thedoingnotthedone]

Brilliant to see what will last and those tricks for a soft radius or box edges. Inspiring. Thankyou!

[@jerryday2851]

I really enjoy your video's. I've never seen anyone do what you do . Most guy's cut out the rust and weld a piece in and fill it with bondo. Your a real craftsmen. And I like your idea of making things , I do the same I have a little hammer I'm going to cut a round piece of steel and weld it on my hammer.

[@nitrofish1974]

That is an awesome brake its strong 💪 dosen't take up alot of space and dose the job ,I'm going to make one just like that and call it Fitzees brake

[@coilstreeservice9398]

I really like your clamp down design, no need for springs and it opens enough to bend your last sides of a shallow box. Just stick a 2x4 in and lock it down 👍

[@2tana22]

That is great fitzee! This has been on my mind for awhile now to make my own too, I like the way it will bend bigger pieces 18 gauge, thanks for all the good ideas

[@MrCbell57]

Awesome brake. Wish I had room for one this size in my shop. I have a harbor freight brake which I never use. It needs many upgrades to make it better.

[@johnss7754]

Thank you for the wonderful video Fitzee. I had not seen your videos before, so when I heard you speak, oh, lordy you made me homesick. I live in Thailand, so don't hear our language. Just love your brake. I will be building a smaller version as that is what I can see is needed for my projects.

[@kenlautsch4410]

I have to say i appreciate a person that build there on stuff and recycling is a big plus. Iam in process of building a electric hydraulic press. Thanks for sharing. Kind regards ken

[@oby-1607]

It works so I am impressed. A little fabrication goes a long ways. Good job.

[@Kymbo1000]

Great as usual, and now I need to add those end point guides to push the top blade forward to mine.

[@piratepete-thetruthisforevery1]

Awesome custom made brake Fitzee. I like how wide & tall it is... When things are quality built they last a very long time. Often when we make our own things they are made the way we want them. Putting blocks under it would also be easier on the back eh... When I remodeled our kitchen and bathroom myself I made the counter tops a couple inches taller so it would be better for our backs. I even made the shower head in the bathtub area almost 7 foot high, I'm glad I did because my son grew to be 6 foot 8! lol

[@buannajim8091]

Awesome vid, Tony! As always, thanks for letting us come along for the ride.

[@ajkolodziejski118]

I could see myself making one of those for my next project. Happy to say I am now beginning the paint process on my old van.

[@timothypowell5687]

"Nutting fancy...it works"..and I love it! Ur attitude is spot on..nice video!

[@LuisEnriqueMartinez-rc7km]

Well done 👍👍, that's the reason I don't have a mechanic any more.I try to learn everything what I can also on your way, keep the videos posting 🤗

[@itsalldoable]

Hi Fitzee, Looks really good to me. I need to make up so 16 gauge box section for my chassis outriggers and just starting my homework. One option is to make a break up like yours the other is to see if I can find someone with a break I can borrow or trade some powder coating work from me. Kind regards Paul 🇬🇧

[@paullogieri248]

This is at least my second time watching this video, maybe my second comment. Makin' do with what you got is very satisfying. It also helps you justify never getting rid of anything except that woman who complains about it.

[@fitzeesfabrications]

Hahaha

[@randallhodges28]

I appreciate your desire to create simple well made tools. Your ideas and designs are impressive. Keep em coming! Thanks for sharing.

[@gatekeeper65]

I think I have most everything on hand to build one, so why the hell not ! I can definitely use it around here. Thanks for the tips too.

[@oldschool6345]

That's a good design. I've seen a few homemade breaks. None of them really made me think it was worth the time to make. Lots of limitations in them. I see yours and I think there's lots of options to it. Thanks for sharing

[@neilkinney6600]

That's a darned nice brake.! NICE. I have a small 18 inch brake which works for my small jobs.Thanks for the videos!I enjoy them. Also, I used your method of setting up my MIG welder (Lincoln) I was amazed just how much better it works! Thanks!

[@stevensargent4059]

Thank you so much for the videos, I have learned a lot! You did a video of making your own patch panel and in that video you said you do a lot of patch repair around the windows and roof. Could you please make a video of patching window to roof . I have an antique vehicle with a lot of rust in roof and upper windshield. Thanks!,

[@fitzeesfabrications]

One in the shop now I have to do rust around the windows. Will be a video on that soon

[@Lou1ouze]

As always, loved the spirit, loved the work and loved the video. Thanks for sharing !

[@craigey1289]

Fitzee......I love your brake. It does what you need it to and thats what counts. My dad used to say necessity is mother of invention and its so true .

[@marca5883]

I love that you can round bend with tube on your brake💚🇬🇧🌱

[@p0k7lm]

Thank You Fitzee for this education here , for me its very valuable for my hands on skills for my own jobs of necessity around here , i have to do every thing my self and could not hire out help even if i wanted to , i dont want to any way , but it does take me time to finish repairs on my stuff.Merry Christmas & Happy New Year ! 🎄⛄❄🎉🔨🔩🔧🔬📐✏📚

[@frankgeimer5952]

Challenges is the Mother of Invention. Looks great and 20 years is a real good life for a break.

[@shawnlawrence4840]

Fitzie you're my inspiration, I'm from the island of Jamaica. One love.

[@marcinstein7405]

Fitzee your work is just amazing! I am going to build my own breaker in line with yours as this is exactly what I need. Greetings from Poland!

[@citytinhead]

Would like to see more about the chopped top Chevrolet you have up on the rack it’s the cats pajamas!

[@fitzeesfabrications]

Have lots of photos of it. No videos other thrn what you see in my storage platform video

[@nickpanico5441]

Thanks for sharing your craft and your video's. Be well and stay safe !

[@davehogan4776]

As always "Awesome job!" I really enjoy watching all the video's and how to do it on the cheap. Because I too don't always have or want to spend a lot of money because it takes all the fun out of the project!! As always THANKS!!!

[@rexmericle5068]

Making your own tooling makes one a better craftsman in my opinion. Two years ago I built my own motorcycle lift table with one of those under frame motorcycle lifts, some 3 inch heavy channel and 3/4" plywood. It works great, cost me about $75 in materials. A lift table of equal size costs over $1000 dollars! I like this break. I may make one!

[@angelomanuele259]

You do some genius work with what you got I get it I feel the same when i make something nice with simple tools I'm in home improvement I work mostly with wood love what you do with steel

[@scullerlmt]

You are a very clever fella. I'm impressed.

[@andrewklie8061]

Love your channel! I use your tips and techniques every day now

[@aaronbugaiski2487]

That is a very nice and simple design. Your lock down system it great. Wish I would have seen this a couple years ago. I’m building an experimental aircraft. I know a lot of guys in the experimental aircraft world would love this design.

[@garageforcerestos]

Found you “by accident” (KZbin suggestion I guess)a few weeks back and I can’t stop watching your stuff … hello from Nova Scotia!

[@dennistaylor4738]

Of course you like making stuff. You are a great fabricator. It's such a good feeling when you make it yourself especially when it works 😊

[@jrlarry6847]

Awesome brake 4fut perfect size for all around work great job thanks for the content

[@johnlee8231]

Always nice to watch your process. I've seen alot of things that have helped me out from your posts. Just started a 70 Nova we are turning into a drag car. Thx

[@jamesowen5793]

One of my favorite youtube channels built a 2 ft brake years ago like your design and longer brake keep up the good work.

[@MrAfgschmidt]

Second time watching this. Definitely going to build this! Love the design!

[@doug.patterson4732]

looks good and easy to build thanks for showing us how to build it

[@SkaterStimm]

I need more space for big tools like that. so awesome! great design!

[@VintRestGarage]

Simple practical purposeful. Awesome. Thanks for the great video and idea

[@timsecord8207]

Newfoundland’s most interesting Ambassador!

[@joebryan2135]

hear-hear

[@peterkohm9742]

You truley are amazing. I wish i had 1 percent of your talent in this field. Thanks for another great video.

[@000gjb]

Made one too about the same time ago. The mistakes I made were that the pivot points of the bottom jaw stop me from sliding a sheet of metal longer than the bender so I can fold the entire edge of a 8 x 4 sheet. Adding additional removable angled dies on the top jaw so I can fold metal boxes, return side folds and angle brackets of any length. If only I had access to a vertical Mill, Hmmm.

[@olddog54]

I built a bench model brake about 40 years ago when i was doing bodywork, handy to have.

[@jimforsyth2.]

Love the brake I built one very similar . Like the adjustment bolt idea. I only made mine 3 foot . But I made it to bend 3/16 . You video gave me a few mods I can do to mine like the tension rods for support. Tink if I do that I can bend 3/8 .I'm gonna try . Thanks for sharing

[@philipstegall6025]

You would have enjoyed talking with my late father-in-law. He made tools to use for his wood-working.He made do with what he had, too. Thank you, sir.

[@gilrevelar5779]

It was an awesome practical idea!!!!!! Love it!

[@ericebert6404]

Thank you Fitzee, exactly what I have been looking for.

[@maxberres1701]

I like it. Looks like a cool project. Thanks for the inspiration