Press brake - Opinions

[aaronobrien]

I bought a HF 20T press. My main use for it will be bending flatstock. My standard most common size will be 4x3/8" flatstock @ 90deg. I have attached a drawing of my plan. It is designed with what I have here in my shop.
Any ideas/modifications will be appreciated.Press brake.jpg

[aametalmaster]

Looks like it will work. You might want to make your top punch tighter than 90 degrees like 80 something. Mine is 42 degrees on a side...Bob

[MMW]

Bob is correct, you want your top & bottom dies tighter than 90 degrees or you will have trouble getting your pcs. to 90.

[aaronobrien]

So both the top and bottom @ 80 deg?

[aametalmaster]

So both the top and bottom @ 80 deg?

No just the top. The bottom can be 90...Bob

[aaronobrien]

Okay, so just the top @ 80 deg or so. Bottom can be 90deg....

Does the punch have to be hardened? If so, what is the proper process for it?

[aametalmaster]

Does the punch have to be hardened? If so, what is the proper process for it?

Thats up to you. How many parts you going to make? A zillion then yes. If the bottom center wears just regrind or recut it to suit. Just my thoughts...Bob

[aaronobrien]

thanks bob,

Over the course of a year, ill probably bend 100-200 pieces. possibly more if it works as well as it seems like it should.

[MMW]

For air bending which is what you plan on doing the bottom should be less than 90. The 4 way die on the Cincinnati I used to run was 82*. The top should be sharper than 90 also. This lets you over bend slightly to compensate for spring back.

I can't see how thick a plate your top die will be but I would use 1".

[weldonwelding]

I used angle for the top and bottom on my iron worker brake and it over bends a 90 every time if your not careful.