trimming with aluminum coil stock

[peterh]

Can anyone point me to a site showing the bends being made with a brake (step by step instructions) Thanks

[Tom R]

Don't know of any sites, but here's a basic run-down. Lets say you want to 'wrap' a 1 X 6 'rake board'. Your bottom measurement would be 3/4", your 'vertical' measurement would be 5 1/2", and your 'hugger' (to the underside of your shingles) would be 1/2". First cut your 'coilstock' to length (roll it out on the grass, mark your desired length, use a framing square for a straight-edge, put a plywood scrap under your line, and 'knife' 3 times, then bend up and down, it will break easily along the cut-line). Now place your coilstock length on top of the brake 'face down'. Measuring from the 'furthest' side from you (and pulling your tape back towards you), mark it at each end at the 3/4" point, and the 6 3/4" point (the full width of your piece will be 6 3/4") (3/4" + 5 1/2" + 1/2"). (You'll mark the 1/2" point later. because it's on the other side). Let's call the handle at the 'end' of your brake the 'clamp' handle, the handle in the middle of your brake the 'bending' handle, and the long clamping edge the 'clamp'. Now pull the whole piece toward you, and slide it back into the 'opened' brake until the brake 'clamp' is 'in-line' with your 6 3/4" marks. Now 'close' your 'clamp' handle down. Now with a sharp utility knife, knife the length of your piece using your clamp as your guide, knife it fairly hard and only one time. Now lift your 'bending' handle all the way 'up' and then up and down a few more times (when handle is going downwards, use your other hand to pull your piece down with it), and your piece will easily 'break' along your line. Now set that piece of coil out of the way (your 'good' piece is still inside the brake). Now loosen up your 'clamp' handle and slide your piece toward you until your 3/4" lines are 'in-line' with the 'clamp'. Close your 'clamp' handle tightly. Now lift your 'bending' handle until the piece is bent at a 90 degree angle (vertical). Now with your piece still 'clamped' in mark 1/2" down from each end on the side facing you. Loosen your 'clamp' handle, slide your piece out and put it back in 'face up' and line up your 1/2" marks with the 'clamp edge', now 'close' the 'clamp' handle, and lift the 'bending' handle until your piece is bent to 90 degrees again (vertical). Now loosen your 'clamp' handle and slide your piece out, it's done! (and it should be Z-shaped, sort of) (If you want, you can 'practice' first, with a 'short' piece of coil) HINT - - when making 'repetative' cuts, make a small 'marking' card, and then just 'transfer' your marks.