Anybody build a fan shroud without a metal brake?

[LonesomeSTX]

I need to build a simple square fan shroud out of aluminum. However, I do not have access to a metal brake. I have thought about clamping wood together and using a hammer. But the final product will not be the type of quality I would prefer. Any of you done this before or have any ideas?

 

[Spede Demn]

Depends on how thick your sheet is of course but you can use vise grips to clamp two pcs of angle iron along the bend line, lay the sheet on a flat hard surface and use the vise grips as handles to lift upwards while keeping a downward pressure on the angle iron, fyi... I supervise a metal fab shop, at work right now as a matter of fact, I'll look around and see if I can setup something for a pic

 

[Spede Demn]

Looks like only one of two pics uploaded but at least its the close up, basically you just roll the vise grip handles up and over the edge of the table(yellow edge) until you get the angle you want.

 

[LonesomeSTX]

I like that idea, thanks.

 

[Spede Demn]

Not a problem, hope it helps, here's the other pic that didnt upload from the phone last night, I just setup a small example from scrap that was handy at the time but it should give you some ideas to work with.

 

[LonesomeSTX]

That looks a whole lot more simple than what I had in mind.

 

[Surrey]

Damn, thats a nice idea for the do-it-yourself-er.

 

[LonesomeSTX]

It sure is.

 

[Spede Demn]

Well I hope in 30yrs exp in metal fab I've learned a trick or two...lol

 

[Spede Demn]

Just for example, I made this chain cover last week at home using a very similar setup.

 

[LonesomeSTX]

Very clean looking.

 

[Spede Demn]

Keep us posted on your progress, preferrably with pics

 

[Frank The Tank]

I use an anvil and a shop press a lot. Press gets the bends started and anvil cleans them up. Torch comes out with thicker stuff. My grandpa has a metal brake. I just hate to use his tools because he always talks about how inadequate my shop is.

 

[LonesomeSTX]

As soon as I settle on a fan, I will get started on mine.