INCLUDES
(1) Offset Metal Brake Assembly
(2) Actuating Rods
(1) Vice Mount Tab and Hardware
ASSEMBLY
Assemble the two Actuating Rods to the pivoting Bending bar by inserting threaded ends into the threaded holes and tighten fi rmly.
SET-UP
VICE MOUNTING
• Attach the supplied Vice Mount
Tab by bolting in place on the
brake body and tighten the four
bolts (included) securely (Fig 1).
• Using a 6" or larger vice, place
the assembled unit with the vice
mount tab pointing downward
and between vice jaws. Be sure
to fi rmly tighten vice jaws to
prevent tool movement (Fig 2).
BENCH MOUNTING
• Place the Eastwood Versa-Bend on a clean, stable, level surface at a comfortable working height. Mount securely to the work surface using 4 suitable
5/16" [8mm] lag screws or bolts (not included) through the four 21/64" [8.3mm] diameter holes in the base (Fig 3).
The EASTWOOD VERSA-BEND 20" OFFSET SHEET METAL BRAKE is a precision engineered metal working tool designed to produce both standard variable
length bends as well as accurate ½" offset bends up to 90° in mild, 20 gauge sheet steel and 18 gauge aluminum in widths up to 20". Also capable of creating
bends in 18 gauge steel in widths less than 12”. Create fl oor reinforcement channels and ribs, sections of corrugated pickup bed fl oors; truck bedside panels,
inner fender structures and much more all with one convenient vise or bench mount tool.
Vice Mount Tab
Actuating Rods
OPERATION
STANDARD BENDS UP TO 90°
With the 2" x 20" Extension Fence in place on the Bending Bar, conventional bends can
be made in 20 gauge mild steel panels up to 20" wide and 18 gauge in widths of 12" or
less. To do so;
• Measure and mark the desired bend line on your sheet metal panel.
• Loosen the Clamping Beam Hold-down T-Handles.
• Slide panel under the Clamping Beam lining up your pre-marked bend line with
the lower, beveled edge of the Clamping Beam. Note: this edge is set back
slightly from the main body of the brake to allow for a suffi cient bend radius of
the metal and the most accurate bends (Fig 4).
• Tighten the Clamping Beam Hold-down T-Handles to hold the panel in place.
• Grasping both handles of the moveable Bending Bar, lift upward, bending your
panel until the desired bend angle is achieved.
NOTE: The use of an angle gauge or protractor (not included) is
recommended (Fig 5).
• Depending on the particular alloy being bent, it may be necessary to rotate the
Bending Bar slightly beyond the desired angle to allow for “springback”. Some
trial and error is suggested in scrap material before making fi nal bends.
OFFSET “JOGGED” BENDS UP TO 90°
With the 2" x 20" Extension Fence removed from the Bending Bar, 1/2" offset bends
can be made in 20 gauge mild steel panels up to 20" wide and 18 gauge in widths of
12" or less.
NOTE: It is strongly recommended to make a mockup of your fi nal piece in heavy
construction paper or manila folder material prior to beginning as it is very easy to make
a mistake and create a bend in the wrong direction.
• Loosen and remove the 2 bolts securing the 2" x 20" Extension Fence to the
Bending Bar.
CAUTION! This Extension Fence is heavy and may cause personal injury
if dropped. Use care to support it during removal (Fig 6).
• Measure and mark the desired bend lines on your sheet metal panel.
• Loosen the Clamping Beam Hold-down T-Handles.
• Slide panel under the Clamping Beam lining up your pre-marked bend line with
the lower, beveled edge of the Clamping Beam.
NOTE: this edge is set back slightly from the main body of the brake to allow for
a suffi cient bend radius of the metal and the most accurate bends (Fig 4).
• Tighten the Clamping Beam Hold-down T-Handles to hold the panel in place.
• Grasping both handles of the moveable Bending Bar, lift upward, bending your
panel until the desired bend angle is achieved.
NOTE: The use of an angle gauge or protractor (not included) is recommended.
• Depending on the particular alloy being bent, it may be necessary to rotate the
Bending Bar slightly beyond the desired angle to allow for “springback”. Some
trial and error is suggested in scrap material before making fi nal bends.
• For successive bends, loosen the Clamping Beam, fl ip the panel over, place in
under the Clamping Beam then repeat steps outlined above.
(Fig 7a, 7b, 7c).
20" x 2" Extension Fence
Fig. 1 Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 6
Fig. 7a
Fig. 7b
Fig. 7c
Fig. 5
READ INSTRUCTIONS!
Thoroughly read and understand manual before using the Brake tool.
SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING!
• WARNING! This tool has pinch points with amplified leverage which can quickly cause severe injury!
Keep fi ngers and hands away from moving parts when operating.
• Wear thick, well-fi tting gloves to prevent cuts from handling sharp metal.
• Frequently inspect moving parts. If damage is observed, discontinue use immediately.
• Make sure the brake is securely fastened to a solid work surface before use.
• Always wear eye protection when working with sheet metal as it may have sharp edges.
OFFSET METAL BRAKE ASSEMBLY
Extension
Fence Bolts
2Eastwood Technical Assistance: 800.544.5118 >> techelp@eastwood.com To order parts and supplies: 800.345.1178 >> eastwood.com 3
Fig. 2
