How to modify a Harbor Freight brake!! Turn your average metal brake into a metal bending monster!!

On this episode of Mad Ginger Customs we take the Harbor Freight 36" metal brake and turn in it into a unit that you wished it was out of the box!! Come along with me and I'll show you how to build it right! Do it yourself and save money! #diyprojects #diy #welding #harborfreight
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[@BaronMcCausland]

At 1:48 on the Time Line: "...Harbor Freight lists this thing as being capable of bending 18" of 16 Gauge... We determined, that was... a lie." - LOL!!!! Best line I've heard on a KZbin video in ages!!! LOL!!

[@newt2010]

Nice upgrade

[@chuckschultz7028]

My 70-year-old back urges you to build a work bench! I took a cue from machinist set-up tools and built a pair of 1-2-3 boxes out of wood. 1 foot x 2 foot x 3 foot, I can move them around, slap a scrap of plywood over them and work at a convenient height. Save your back for putting floors in rist buckets!

[@madgingercustoms]

I have a couple carts I use. I have been thinking about building a mobile fab table. It's a space issue.

[@marklogsdon7437]

Leverage is everything! Nicely done mods, Sir. It's great to see you show the garage mechanic how to improve their inexpensive (cheap) tools to something that can stand up better over time and return the money they invested.

[@madgingercustoms]

Thanks!!

[@kathleenfoster9887]

I would definitely do this.Thanks

[@madgingercustoms]

It's worth the effort.

[@hvymax]

Mellwood School of Engineering at it's finest!!!

[@mickmandela6995]

I bought the same brake and had too make those mods too it it now bends 16 gauge like butter easy too do and fun when you like inventing stuff great video

[@mjm7187]

Like your mods, def a worthwhile upgrade for this brake. Thanks for posting!

[@madgingercustoms]

Thanks for watching!

[@rockerpat1085]

I Had To Reinforce Mine As Well!!! After I Braced It Up I Bent 18 Gauge Into A Truck Bed Floor!!! I Followed Fitzy Fabrications Bed Floor Pattern Making Video!!! Worked Great!!! Wish I Would Of Made A Longer Handle And A Foot Rest!!! Threw My Back Out Bending The First Bed Panel!!! Keep Rocking It Out Brother!!!

[@madgingercustoms]

The longer arm is a must. Fitzee has some awesome videos!

[@justinvanburen8259]

Thank you!! Sweet upgrade!!! Looks awesome!!

[@madgingercustoms]

Thank you!

[@tradrodsandcustoms]

I love it! Been thinkin about doing this upgrade myself for a bit, thanks!

[@madgingercustoms]

It's worth the effort! Thanks for checking out the video.

[@kiwibrett]

Hey Dave, Great work! I just bought the very bending brake and guillotine I learnt to love metalwork on, 50 years ago when I was 12! My old school was sadly decommissioning the metal shop as todays parents don't value the option for their kids. Guess they will have to discover it by watching guys like you having fun building stuff on youtube now. I'm in New Zealand, so hopefully it's different where you are. The brake is actually a beautiful little 24" finger [pan] brake. I had noticed it had an angle iron piece bolted on the front face just as you have done and a miniature version of your new front handle. Both are from the original manufacturer as they are in the original hammer finish blue enamel. The guillotine is a cast iron beast with a 30" throat and a twin ram pneumatic conversion. Its at least 60 years old but in immaculate condition. An engineering friend who went to the same school a decade after me said from experience, it could halve files and text books!! Luckily the blades have been refaced since he stress tested it for me... I look forward to discovering just what it can really do.

[@madgingercustoms]

That sounds like an amazing unit. They don't make anything like they used to!

[@randallreveal1701]

Thank you for this video. I'm definitely going to try this.

[@madgingercustoms]

Certainly improves functionality.

[@sandwon]

Great ideas. Thanks for taking the time to share. I will definitely use your suggestions to improve my HF Brake.👍

[@madgingercustoms]

It's a great improvement!! Have fun!

[@pdnetzer9561]

Dave, I’ve got the same one and did many of the modifications you’ve done. One other thing I did was to reverse the lock down handles. Now when I pull down they pinch down which makes sense. Great job!!

[@madgingercustoms]

I will flip them around!! Thanks for the tip.

[@terrykeithley6183]

Dave I have the same brake ( junk). Going to do the same modifications as you did. Thanks so very much.😊

[@madgingercustoms]

It's so much better now! Good luck with it!

[@edsmachine93]

Very nice. Certainly a nice upgrade. Thanks for sharing.

[@madgingercustoms]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@pureexpanse]

Great material. Currently, I make my own sheet metal bender. It is certainly worth using several solutions. When I finish, I will post a video of the entire construction on the YT channel. Good job.👍

[@workingmanrondoyle3287]

Nice modified 👍🏻👍🏻 new subscriber here. I've got the same piece of junk you just fixed. You describe all the problems to a tee. I was getting ready to make scrap metal out of it. Now I think I'll mod mine too. Thanks for the video. I appreciate your thought process in making it better. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@madgingercustoms]

Appreciate the kind words!! Thanks for watching!

[@DavesKustoms]

I did many of the same things to mine several years ago. They haven't changed the design at all in 14 years. I like the bending handle you did here.

[@madgingercustoms]

Thanks. I'm not sure it won't get it the way but it works great so far.

[@chuckster6513]

Hey Dave, That looked like a great improvement to a questionable tool. I really like dimpled holes where possible. I think the ones you did really add class to the project. Work Safe, Be Well Enjoy Life

[@madgingercustoms]

Thanks for the kind words and thanks for watching!

[@wizardofhyd]

Dude thank you so much, I have one just like that, will definitely make some mods like yours, especially the extended shelf!

[@madgingercustoms]

That is the main help in getting that thing to be more useful! Extended shelf.

[@benniedonald]

I am glad i found your channel. I was doubtful about getting one. After watching your video. I am not doubtful anymore. As soon as I can, i am buying one and the changer. Thanks for the awesome video. Oh try using the camera zoom feature for showing the bubble.

[@madgingercustoms]

The GoPro isn't really good at tight zoom. I bought a 1.5 lens for it and it's better but got it after that video. Thanks for watching!

[@randiegadberry5448]

I have the same brake. Great tips!

[@madgingercustoms]

Thanks!!

[@hvymax]

I like grease for tapping. It even holds the chips.

[@madgingercustoms]

Yeah I should have used some. I did have grease.

[@LakeAndLodgeGarage]

I was desperate one day and bought one of these things. it would not bend a 22 gauge mild steel. complete POS. shoved it against the wall and never used it again. I am going to do this and see if I can get some use out of it. thanks for sharing.

[@madgingercustoms]

It certainly helps!

[@piche525]

Great job I have the same break. I think I should do do the changes also on my break

[@madgingercustoms]

Cool!! Let me know how it works out!

[@dagorithe]

I made my own with a 2x4 and angle iron. It isn’t as strong as I like. If I come across one (or buy one), I will definitely will do those upgrades. Thanks for the video. New subscriber.

[@madgingercustoms]

Thanks for checking it out and the sub!

[@JohnKoutsavlis]

Hi Dave. Your shop clock has been reading 7:42 for quite some time now. Please change the batteries. It's driving me crazy. . .LOL! Love your episodes by the way. Love the fact that you are not afraid to tackle anything. You are an inspiration! John

[@madgingercustoms]

My dad said the same thing!!! I didn't think anyone noticed.

[@hillustration]

you're like a metal savant. this was really cool

[@madgingercustoms]

Thanks!

[@babybird57]

Great mods Broski

[@madgingercustoms]

Thanks man!!

[@hudsonkilpatrick1766]

Hey Dave, first time watching your channel content. Great content for sure! Just a comment, when tapping holes in metal at thick as this, I like to use a spiral tap! Cleans itself better than a straight fluted tap like you used. Try just one & get you a ratchet tap handle if not using a drill, works so much easier & better. Just a thought!!

[@madgingercustoms]

I will look into that! I don't believe I have any of that type of tap. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@richardshipman7076]

Got that same piece of junk, thanks for sharing. I'm going to try the upgrade.

[@madgingercustoms]

Awesome. It works better now!

[@hvymax]

I might have to make something like that to attach to my 1" thick welding table.

[@newt2010]

An adjustable spanner on the back would work.

[@semiaddicted5454]

Lol just a whole day of work to get it to work as advertised 😂 it looks to work better than advertised now great video 👍

[@madgingercustoms]

Thanks!!

[@user-nb4ut1zi6b]

Gave need more Jess please plus good job

[@madgingercustoms]

She gets testy when I harass her to help!

[@MadGingerJess]

Hey that's not true!

[@mikecondoluci53]

great fix i was looking at one of those brakes but didnt buy at the time but maybe i will now. the only reason i didnt because i would rather have a 4 footer but for the price maybe i will

[@madgingercustoms]

The prices seem to go up dramatically when you look at the 4ft units!!

[@paulromsky9527]

Great video! Instead of the Pipe Handle, weld two long handles straight down on each side so they won't interfere with long work pieces hanging down. You will have to bend your back down to reach them but they will be longer for more leverage and apply force evenly to both sides. For day to day use, you could clamp onto the side handles a 'removable cross bar with handles' with the handles welded with an angle outward so you don't have to bend over so much. This way you get the best either way you need for a particular project.

[@madgingercustoms]

Sounds like a solid idea!!

[@faroironandcustoms6577]

I made the inner rockers on the 50 with mine and yeah it sux. I am planning on doing most of those mods to mine before I get back into the 50. Mike at My Kar's Shop was doing floor pans and had to take the angle bracket off to get some of the bends. And my understanding is the angle stiffens the flat plate. You could see mine flex, when I made those inner rockers, and leave a rounded bend in the middle of the break. Nice video!!!!

[@madgingercustoms]

Thanks man!! I watched your video of you making those rockers.

[@faroironandcustoms6577]

@@madgingercustoms Thx. Hoping to get a video out this Sunday. Inspired by one of your videos.

[@TractorWrangler01]

Chinesium stuff works well. You just have to completely rebuild their brand new stuff first.

[@madgingercustoms]

Truth

[@garysimonson9593]

Handled that 1/8" like butter.

[@madgingercustoms]

Yes sir. That was surprising to me.

[@lawrenceedelstein8981]

Wow, first time on your channel. Thank you for the educational and enjoyable presentation. I have this H F Model break and your mods and presentation made me a subscriber. Where are you located if you don't mind me asking.

[@madgingercustoms]

Thanks for the kind words. We are in CT. Thanks for subscribing!

[@kevinsabourin5102]

Any chance of a video on the langmuir table start to finish? Have a table but not tech savy can only do straight cuts??

[@madgingercustoms]

There are some really good Fusion 360 videos on KZbin. I'm not that great with it. You need help with Fire Control or more on the design end?

[@dalebailey1844]

great improvement . Now I can rebuild mine that I bought from Harbor Freight, and lower my blood pressure.

[@madgingercustoms]

Just used it in my Ford hood video. Thing works great! Good luck with yours!

[@hvymax]

Flux Core actually outperforms Gas Shielded Mig in destructive testing.

[@jayinmi3706]

Even if you did have to buy all the metal, it's still a LOT cheaper than a Mittler Bros. brake. lol

[@kalybnielsen4183]

I started laughing, "Harbor freight said this is capable of bending 18" of 16 gauge, we have determined, that was a lie", I just seen Maury Povich's audience going insane. I like Harbor Freight tools, some are absolutely great, some are pretty good, some are a cheap starting point to give you a base to modify until it works well. I just built a 4' brake, used 1/2 x 4" leg angle iron on the 3 main pieces, yes, it's heavy

[@madgingercustoms]

I'm glad to got the reference! Lol. Thanks for checking out the video.

[@glennreach6930]

Just curious.....is a TIG weld cooler than a Mig weld? I notice that when Tig welding you run longer beads and when MIG welding you tack.

[@madgingercustoms]

You can do either or in either capacity. TIG requires a bit more learned skill and muscle memory. Depends on the project as well.

[@MrClickbang357]

OThER THAN my previous comment, you really did a great job stffening uup this HF brake!! Now others will actually be able to take this model of brake and mid it to work as advretised!!! Oh, and get a welding jacket, because cancer is NOPT your friend!!!

[@madgingercustoms]

I do have a welding shirt. I'll use it. I do appreciate your concern!

[@jamest.5001]

28:17 maybe the prototype the first built would bend 16gauge.. then the bean counters got a hold of it, and the tolerance swayed, then 18:gauge got difficult, I been thinking about building a 50" brake. But been trying to decide weather or not to make it a press brake or more like this, 3mm is likely the thickest, although 1/4"/6mm flat bar could be a common size to bend, but only 4" wide, so maybe a small 12" press brake with diesel to do different types of bends , and possibly punch holes, build it with 1/4" wall tubing and 3/8-1/2" flat bar. 1/4" angle use two 12 ton jacks with heavy duty springs use a electric motor with speed control to pump both jacks at once, and connect the release valves with a sprocket and chain so both are released at the same time possibly use 8 to the reason for two is smaller jacks pump faster, (move faster, big jacks lift with more pumps per inch of lift) two smaller jacks will move faster than a single large jack. And I'm sure a 16 or 24ton jack is either not available or very $pendy!! Two 8 ton jacks are about $60-$80. And building a electric motor with a crank to pump the jack is fairly simple a gear reduction gets about 4strokes per second full speed should be safe, keep the stroke about , 1/16" -1/8" short to prevent breaking things. With a speed control making 1 stroke take 5 seconds or less possible. So it can be turned on then fine adjust the location of the metal work piece. And wait for contact. Also using twin jacks can allow a wider brake 18"-24" and bending 4" wide 12" plate should be possible with a large radius.. make dies from 1"x 2" flat bar and welded to 2" round to attach to the upper press, possibly with a magnet and/or a set screw to lock in place. Also use 1/2" plate with 2" round, to punch holes and shear steel up to 3/16" maybe thicker. Use steel with hard face weld and ground flat and sharp, also shear basically 1/2" -5/8" thick scissors with a 1" hardened and ground the polished 4140, 4340 steel pin, inside another hard precision ground hollow bar about 3" long to provide stability with a bronze bushing possibly maybe just a steel on precision steel with moly grease possibly with graphite and .001 clearance, a brass rub plate to keep the upper jaw pressed in place, with a .001" clearance , possibly half that with a set screw to make it adjustable. To keep the cutting edges close to each other. Same principle for the hole ouch. A 4" hole in 1/4" plate should be possible, it may require a angle ground die, to focus the force in a small area. A 1/4" tall peak on one edge possibly two should do it weld a 1/2" plate. Cut to the hole shape minus about .010" then mill it to a peak to look like a drill bit. Without the reliefs. Then mill out the middle and mill the remaining 1/4" to 3/8" tabs to a angle , after welding them over with hard facing wire or stick, using a grinding wheel mill to shape, and weld to the 2" fuel holding bar material. Then excessively bevel the edge of the mating hole, hard face weld it also grind it to shape cost everything in a black oxide and a coat of thinned teak oil, and allow to dry. Keep oiled with atleast cutting oil or WD-40 after use. Then make dies as needed for work.. sorry to ramble about my plans have a awesome day..

[@madgingercustoms]

You sir, have all of this figured out to the T! I'd love to see you build that!

[@messybench]

Adjust the clamping leaf backb1.5x the metal thickness. And place your piece to shape marks split by the clamping leaf.

[@madgingercustoms]

Thanks!!

[@timeinbu7909]

Bending ? Lube it ....

[@madgingercustoms]

Yeah I did that on the second. I should have done that with the first.

[@hvymax]

Pretty ballsy using all that in a wood building!!!

[@madgingercustoms]

Danger is my middle name. Lol

[@herbtender910]

Hey if you put a magnetic base w/dial indicator to the bottom of your press you can make all your holes the same as first.

[@madgingercustoms]

I think that's solid idea but all the holes should be the same and the dies just bottom out.

[@herbtender910]

I was just replying to overdoing it and damaging your dies I know people use air over hydraulic and may over juice them lol @@madgingercustoms

[@madgingercustoms]

@@herbtender910 ah, gotcha. I'm light on them. You make a good point though.

[@garyshaw3937]

You need some TapMajic for those holes

[@madgingercustoms]

You aren't kidding!!! I should order some.

[@DependableAutoTruck]

what does a quality brake cost vs the harbor freight one

[@madgingercustoms]

$1400 plus from what I can find. Even the slightly better ones like this are $900.

[@williamgorzelsky6203]

The side clamp on the right side stripped out. how would you fix that?

[@madgingercustoms]

Heli coil or retap it deeper. These aren't tapped all the way.

[@micahgoodman325]

The reason for the holes in the feet are so you can (should) bolt it to the floor. This would eliminate the need to stand on it. Don't blame HF because you didn't take the time to bolt it down.

[@madgingercustoms]

Relax killer. This thing is borderline junk regardless if it's bolted down or not. And yes, of course I can build one, most people cant though and can do anything I did with a hole saw and a death wheel. I need to be able to move it, like most people that don't have shop room.

[@MrCheezeus]

err... isn't that plasma table supposed to have coolant in the tray when you're making cuts?

[@madgingercustoms]

Water. You can run different types of coolant but water works fine.

[@MrCheezeus]

ahh it just looks empty through the camera ang youtube's video compression but yeah water does work lol@@madgingercustoms

[@donkintz281]

What do you think the holes in the feet are for?😂

[@madgingercustoms]

I move all the equipment around due to space constraints. But yes, you are hilarious I'm sure.

[@apacheone3643]

Can you bend 24 inch wide 11 guage Aluminium?

[@madgingercustoms]

I would think this would handle that now. Yes.

[@apacheone3643]

@@madgingercustoms That's something I would really like to know as I am building a fan shroud for electric fans .

[@user-tq6kh1ln9d]

The tap ,,,Drill ,,,out,

[@madgingercustoms]

Yes.

[@barrymurray8264]

I that a brake was next to a clutch ? What the hell is one doing under the steering column ? Nah, looks good, good fix ! See ya.

[@madgingercustoms]

Lol, thanks for commenting!!

[@dondavis6997]

Well, G Dave sent one my way. I'm a poor man, I'm a disability. I could use one for my 57th birthday. In March

[@madgingercustoms]

Duly noted sir!! Thanks for watching!

[@clintlegeyt4835]

How do you say safety third without saying safety third 😂

[@madgingercustoms]

Don't make me break out the safety squits!

[@MadGingerJess]

Or safety squints 😉

[@crosse73]

Safety? Pfft

[@larrywilliams3620]

Safety last!

[@daviddamico4288]

Nice work fixing harbor freight’s junk ..

[@madgingercustoms]

Works really good now. Just used it in our newest video.

[@user-nb4ut1zi6b]

Dave sorry

[@mathewmolk2089]

Not everybody has a plaz or water jet, , but I can not for the life of me understand why nobody on these KZbins uses a torch. Maybe to cur off a piece of stud rod, or maybe a straight cut on 18Ga if you don't have a iig saw , which is not only safer then a Metabo but is more accurate and can cut crves, but what is the bit about thinking flame cutting can not do the job. - Show me a fab shop that dose not use oxy-fuel and I'll show you a shop run by an unskilled armature. The very first large purchase for a home shop should be a torch. - And learn to use it to braze and burn and then to weld. (That used to be square one when learning to weld) Then get a buzz box stick muachine. There is almost nothing that you can't make with a torch, buzz box and a grinder with a depressed center disk. ,,,, When you gradate to MIG and TIG you will be 10 times the craftsman these death wheel and cheap mig jokers will ever be.

[@madgingercustoms]

I learned to TIG before anything else so yeah. It's whatever you have access to. I don't own an torch set up. I've never needed one. Short of blowing off bolts I don't have a need for it. Plasma will do much of the same job. Lots of guys use torches, but why use one when there is better options available?

[@MichaelMcFearin]

Really enjoy these “make it better” videos, keep it up and as always you need more wife in video and more sleep.

[@madgingercustoms]

Jess is in Mondays video. She may be struggle bussing but she's doing most of the work! Hoping to get it out Monday morning.

[@damienmikkelsen6056]

Some of the dummest most dangerous ideas work! I’ve done some very sketchy shit as well as

[@madgingercustoms]

Luckily it worked out this time!! Lol

[@micahgoodman325]

Don't mean to be a naysayer, BUT... you stated "I can't afford a nice one". Yet you have a plasma cutting table. The amount of time you lost in labor and the money you spent on steel, you could have either A: bought a nice one, or B: built a nice one and not modified that one. Just Saying...

[@madgingercustoms]

A nice brake is $4k. I'm not into it for anywhere near that lol. I modify stuff because I like to and it makes good content for people that already have whatever I'm modifying.

[@brianandglendaharkin9457]

👍🏻🇦🇺it was a lie 🤣😂😀

[@madgingercustoms]

They really got me lol.

[@MrClickbang357]

Hmmm... Looks like someone WANTS carcinogenic melanomas! I mean really - Northern tool sells the chaepie cotton welding jackets for $45 - is your health worth $45?

[@madgingercustoms]

Yes. Thanks for your concern. !

[@brentcolby7670]

I've seen jess weld better.... get her back on the channel, sick of looking at you..........

[@madgingercustoms]

The blue line was a mess Friday. Just saying!

[@MadGingerJess]

Wow! 😂😂😂

[@TheUpperGlasscom]

I have one amd it was junk too! I definitely fixed mine up too

[@madgingercustoms]

Nice!