Using a hand bending brake. How?

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I purchased this awhile back and finally got around to putting it in a few weeks ago and playing with it. I have been bending a few flat pieces into square shape and I can not get it square. It's more     .    __    /___\like this. So I want to try again. I have a piece of mild steel that is 18" x 8" (22g). I want to make a 4" box and weld the one end then do the ends and turn it into a catch can. My first bend is going to be at 4". Do the bends add or subtract any space? Can I make all my lines at once? Last time I did this I was in high school and don't remember anything.Last edited by Gamble; 10-15-2011 at 12:57 AM.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Hello Gamble, I believe I understand your question, I am going to attempt to post a sketch with some text on it to further explain a few basics. Good luck and best regards, Allan Attached Imagesaevald
Reply:Look at that sketch, and just make sure you take out a little of those corners. How much depends on how tight your bend is, but you can do something as simple as drill a #30 hole. Otherwise you'll get cracks in those corners.On edit: Yes, the bends need to be accounted for when measuring your piece. Look up "bend allowance" and you'll find a number of sites offering formulas, calculators, etc.Last edited by macvance; 10-15-2011 at 02:48 AM.Reason: Add to postLincoln Square Wave 175
Reply:Hello again Gamble, just re-read your post and I didn't quite understand it correctly the first time. Here's another go at it for you Attached Imagesaevald
Reply:A photo would help, but I wonder if part of the problem is spring back.   That is, if you bend anything to 90 degrees and then let go, it will not stay at 90 degrees, but will spring back to 85 degrees or so.    In order to get a true 90 degree bend, you need to bend it 95 degrees, a little extra.  In this example, I assume 5 degrees of spring back, probably not too different from what you might experience.However, I may not have understood what you meant.RichardSculptures in copper and other metalshttp://www.fergusonsculpture.comSyncrowave 200 Millermatic 211Readywelder spoolgunHypertherm 600 plasma cutterThermal Arc GMS300 Victor OA torchHomemade Blacksmith propane forge
Reply:Make it in two pieces