Sheet Metal Tools?

[smokindawg]

I've been looking at the fine metal work some of you have been doing, especially the ones making the Jeep look-a-like bodies.

I've been looking at purchasing or making a brake. But I found something I think may help although I'm sure I'll need more than just this.

I also thought it would be good for making the shock mounts so they are adjustable and also making new shock mounts for on the lower arms on my G1.

It's a 30" Brake, Shear and Slip Roller from HF. But I also found one on ebay that is a 12" andd wondered if I could get by with it as it's priced better.

Any thoughts or help is appreciated.

[TheNewGuy]

Well, I made a Jeep look-a-like body and I don't have any sheet metal tools other than a plasma cutter which I could have done without.

[smokindawg]

Ron, what did you do to make all the bends and such in the sheet metal on your cart?

I am thinking about the sheet metal tools for the edges and bends and such.

[TheNewGuy]

Check my build thread, page 37 here is one example. Go through the entire thread for more.


http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/membe...-geep1-37.html

[smokindawg]

Ron, Thanks.

It's definate, "Where There Is A Will, There Is A Way!"

[TheNewGuy]

Originally Posted by smokindawg

Ron, Thanks.

It's definate, "Where There Is A Will, There Is A Way!"

[smokindawg]

I'm still saving my pennies for the 3in1 tool. But think I want the 30" model. Think it will be worth the extra $$ over the 12".

I would like to talk to someone that has used one and see if they are happy with it.

This would go great with my growing shop of tooling.

[smokindawg]

I"m heading too Virginia on Saturday if the snow doesn't change those plans. On the way, I'm going thru Ohio. I found one of the 3in1's and am going to stop and look at it, probably purchase it.

My wife will be soooooo Happy. LOL

[BumbleBee]

There are tons of ways and things to make tools out of for sheet metal tools. Nice thing about it is some of the best things for sheet metal are made, not bought! a couple of cheaper things you can pick up for sheet metal fab are a mallet and a shot bag or sand bag. a lot of curves can be done that way. also another tool to pick up fairly cheap is a small planishing hammer. or at least the mount for it and then add your own air hammer if you have it. Once I picked up was great and the cheapest so far. My inlaws gave me a 3ft tall 12" diameter tree trunk. I took it and used an assortment of tools to create a bowl shapped dish in one end of the trunk, then flipped it and dished the other side in an oval. Now I can form all kinds of pieces with my mallets, deadblows, body hammers etc Great for curved sheetmetal work. when i get back home I will try and get you a pic of it. I am also picked up a couple of anvils and made one from a piece of rail road track I got from my grandpa. the tool selection is only limited by your imagination. if you want to do something like the bends New Guy did on the jeep, head out to the local pick a part yard and get you the largest diameter drive shaft you can find. get it home, take the u-joints and yokes out and use the shaft to bend your curves with. Have seen some mounted to tables or others just park their trucks on the shaft to hold it and start bending!

Hope this give you some ideas.

Good luck

Arin

[pachanga90]

I do some sheet-metal work occasionally at work,and they don't have a brake.I use 2-pieces of 2" channel,clamped in a vise.It works really good.I clamp a long piece of flat-bar to the underside at the top of the channel,and use the vise-grips as a handle.Make do,with what you have,if you can buy equipment,do it.I have a 100-ton Hydraulic Press-Brake in storage,since my shop isn't ready yet.I can't wait to be able to finally use it!!!