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Sheet metal brake for trim tabs

K

kirkbauer

Well Known Member
Has anybody used a sheet metal brake for the trim tabs, if only for the 15-degree bend at the front?

I'm doing round two of my trim tabs and am trying to be smarter about it. Would such a tool have any other use in the future of the build?

For the record, this time I'm planning on doing all of the long bends before I bend the side tabs.

I'm thinking something like this:

www.harborfreight.com

30 in. Mountable Bending Brake

Amazing deals on this 30In Bending Brake at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.
www.harborfreight.com www.harborfreight.com
 
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I had the harbor freight one and was disappointed. The metal bar has to be clamped, and the whole thing flexes. I bought this one:
www.woodwardfab.com

Straight Sheet Metal Brakes | Straight Bending Brakes – Woodward Fab

Buy our straight sheet metal brakes to get effortless and smooth bending for sheet metals of varying thickness. With sturdy modular stand these straight brakes can be easily secured on the floor.
www.woodwardfab.com www.woodwardfab.com
I like it much better, and I have used it multiple times so far in my build.
 
I just tried that this week. 30 in isn’t long enough for rv-10 trim tabs. But you can use the top plate and a plywood sheet with clamps if you extend the edge with something else. You can bend against something flat. But I haven’t found a good solution. sliding a hand seamer along the edge after taping all surfaces sort-of works. Not happy with the result yet.
 
Markyd said:
I had the harbor freight one and was disappointed. The metal bar has to be clamped, and the whole thing flexes. I bought this one:
www.woodwardfab.com

Straight Sheet Metal Brakes | Straight Bending Brakes – Woodward Fab

Buy our straight sheet metal brakes to get effortless and smooth bending for sheet metals of varying thickness. With sturdy modular stand these straight brakes can be easily secured on the floor.
www.woodwardfab.com www.woodwardfab.com
I like it much better, and I have used it multiple times so far in my build.
Click to expand...
I agree, the Harbor Fright one is a POS.
 
The HF one is a POS. It is great putting stress cracks in the bends. I was able to make it sort of work with a welding rod placed in the bend area to round out the bend. The one linked above looks like it may be the ticket.
 
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