You can use a tape measure or ruler to measure the thickness of your sheet metal.
How do you bend copper sheets.
If your sheet metal is too thick you may need special machinery like a brake or a torch to bend your sheet into the desired shape.
It will shrink with extensive hammering and you ll need the excess on the ends for hammering in nails.
Allow 1 foot about 30 5 cm on each side.
Get approximately 2 feet about 61 cm more copper sheeting than you need for the job.
Mark down your measurement on the copper put it into the brake and make sure it s reasonable square.
Wipe bending or edge bending is another way to bend sheet metal edges.
Purchase a copper sheet appropriate to the specifications of your job.
Then make a 90 degree bend in the copper.
Put the copper in the basin of cold water to cool it down.
The slack between the wipe die and the punch plays an important role in getting a good result.
It is important to make sure that the sheet is properly pushed onto the wipe die.
How to bend sheet metal without a brake.
Put the copper on the table so the bend is up against the edge.
Below is a quick guide to help you determine which thickness best suits the needs of your project.
The unit of measurement used to identify the thickness of a sheet of copper varies e g gauge mil ounces per square foot inches millimeters.
As a result the wipe die also determines the bend s inner radius.
Once the copper has cooled you ll be able to bend it with your fingers.
The faster it cools the softer it will become.
Copper sheeting comes in thicknesses ranging from very thin copper foil to thick copper plate.
Shut the propane torch off.
This measurement will be necessary for calculating your bend allowance.