[Dave O]

I am going to be making some 1/8" aluminum diamond plate storage boxes for the outside of my VW bus that I am building for europeam travel. Does anyone here have a press brake or similar that I can use to create the boxes? Will likely do this in the fall/winter.


Thanks!

[HoodPin]

FWIW, I've used Clark Welding Services, in Frederick MD, for a variety of metal purchases. They do bending, cutting, etc., and IMHO, they are reasonably priced. You might want to give them a call. With their equipment, it should be a piece of cake to bend your pieces. And if you still need to purchase the metal, they can help with that, too.

http://clarkwelding.com/

I have a 20 ton HF press, but I don't have the metal brake stuff. If you still want to pursue DIY, you should mention the size of the metal you're trying to bend, because much of the DIY tools are limited in size (versus Clark Welding).

[BillC]

I have a press and a SwagOffroad finger brake. I can bend up to 3/8" steel, so the aluminum shouldn't be a problem. However, it's limited to a length of bend of about 18", so you'd need to find a full-size brake if you need to do bigger.

[Dave O]

Good point on the size of the bend. I’ll likely need some 3-4 foot pieces bent.

[BlackTalon]

Look in BlueBook for Metal Fabricators in your area. Can probably get a handful of bends made for a $20 bill. Also can try a Roofer with a good sheet metal shop (I think CitiRoof is nearby in Columbia and has appropriate equipment).

[Dave O]

Yep. I agree that what I want to do likely requires a commercial outfit. Thanks for the suggestions.