Break capacities

[letterman7]

I figure this would be the appropriate place to put this: I do not do any sheetmetal work sign related at all at my place, but I do need some for hobby projects. I've been looking at various pan breaks (or brakes, depending on your location and/or spelling inclination) and obviously they are all rated for different guages, 18, 22, etc. I imagine those are for steel sheets; what is the equivalent rating for aluminum? For instance, will a 22GA break bend .060 aluminum?

Rick

 

[J Hill Designs]

http://www.unc.edu/~rowlett/units/scales/sheetmetal.html

 

[letterman7]

Thanks, but that's not what I'm asking. I'm well aware that .060 is thicker than 22GA; what I'm asking is if a break that is meant to bend steel will bend the lighter and easier bent aluminum at a thicker gauge?

 

[J Hill Designs]

well, I found a 22ga metal brake online that says max for mild steel = 22ga, max for alum. = .040

 

[letterman7]

Ok, more than what I found trying to research it. A good reference point - thanks, jhill!

 

[Moze]

Proper spelling is "brake".

That's my only contribution.

 

[ova]

Whatever brand you end up buying, make sure it has an adjustable jaw. For thicker material, you'll need a bigger gap at the bend point. If not, it will shear your material.

If the jaw is not adjustable, you can do two bends at 40 degrees each to get your 90. This will keep the material from shearing.

Dave