24" box and pan finger brake

**Toolmaker51** · Sep 19, 2020, 03:32 PM

Those answer questions well. I'm sure handle length and gauge capacity are linked to restrain bending heavy material, especially on a finger type brake. I don't know how tonnage for bends are calculated formula wise.
Compared to press brakes, those concerning die widths and radius, are published broadly.

**Inflight** · Oct 3, 2020, 08:23 PM

I found a few build photos for this project.

24" box and pan finger brake-02-render.jpg

24" box and pan finger brake-03-side-plates.jpg

24" box and pan finger brake-04-boring-eccentric.jpg

24" box and pan finger brake-05-progress.jpg

24" box and pan finger brake-09-sample-bends.jpg

Matt

**Toolmaker51** · Oct 3, 2020, 09:56 PM

Combined with satisfaction in such a project, you saved considerable money. New and used market 24" & 36" finger brakes are rarely capable of 18 gauge full length, yet run $5 or $600. Once you hit 48" the thickness increases and those run more, not only in total cost but value per inch. Beyond that, maybe 8' and 10' they might be $5 or $6000, but in reality cost less per capacity then smaller brakes.
Why?
Many potential customers [as home shops are on the rise] haven't funds or room for a big apron or finger brake.
Supply & demand rides again.

**Inflight** · Oct 3, 2020, 11:27 PM

Here are a couple more...

24" box and pan finger brake-rear-view.jpg

24" box and pan finger brake-welding-top-clamp-bar.jpg

Matt

**Toolmaker51** · Oct 4, 2020, 07:36 PM

Originally Posted by Inflight

Click image for larger version.

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Matt

I just fell short of submitting as next of kin to be added as beneficiary to your estate; seeing that 24" hook scale..

Until stair gauges holding TWO rules together became apparent

.

**Inflight** · Oct 4, 2020, 10:13 PM

Originally Posted by Toolmaker51

I just fell short of submitting as next of kin to be added as beneficiary to your estate; seeing that 24" hook scale..

Until stair gauges holding TWO rules together became apparent

.

Did you notice the HF calipers wrapped with electrical tape?

Matt

**Toolmaker51** · Oct 4, 2020, 11:20 PM

Originally Posted by Inflight

Did you notice the HF calipers wrapped with electrical tape?

Matt

Well, noticed of course. But nondescript compared to world's only 24" hook rule.
I was all ready to send a fat check. In today's liberal climate, I've adopted an identity of a millionaire. However, my bank statements disagree...
No joke. Something happened, long narrow [1/4"] tape measures used to be common. I have a little side gig working in a pump shop. When boring and facing shaft or bearing sleeves, lengths aren't so critical. A nice scale or tape marked in 32''nds is ideal, most are called out to + or - 1/64th. And a hook rule unhooks easier in a narrow bore!
Regarding stair gauges, I recommend them all the time. The hex shape works as a dead stop too, as do keyway clamps.

This little pump shop by the way, has warranties matching/ exceeding the big guys, exploiting build techniques that are not common to that industry. Owner is 38 yrs old, with more than a dozen full time employees, a fleet of well equipped trucks, and impressive customer list.
As one of his earliest and continuing mentors, I'm justifiably proud.

**McDesign** · Oct 5, 2020, 07:11 AM

I have the same calipers, and the same electrical tape! The battery cover screw strips.

**desbromilow** · Oct 31, 2023, 07:14 PM

Just looking at the brake design, the truss tensioner appears to act directly on one of the fingers... is that correct? If so, I would think the design could be improved by adjusting that so the truss acted on the mounting plate for the fingers, and the fingers were shorter at the top and located against a raised ledge (either a machined step, or a piece of 10x10mm bar welded to the mount).
or am I overthinking it?