ProFormer Metal Forming Tools for the Professional
Made in the USA


" More than 50 Sheet Metal Brake Models to choose from"

Installing Radius Bar on ProFormer Brakes

Bolt on Radius Bars are an excellent option to make your brake more versatile. They bolt to the front of the clamp or fingers on Straight or Finger brakes. This makes forming 1/16" to 1/2" radius bends easy. Note: Using a bolt on radius bar requires a Bolt On Apron Angle if the radius is greater than 1/4” (1/2”diameter).

If you ordered your ProFormer WITH the Radius Bar option, your equipment has already been modified. But, if you ordered a Radius Bar after receiving your brake, you must make a simple modification.

Your Radius Bar should be supplied with 3/8-16 x ¾ hex head bolts and washers. Checks to ensure these bolts are 3/8-16. These instructions are for 3/8-16 bolts! If your bolts are different, you will need to change the drill and tap size to match. Before starting, ensure all the fingers are installed, tight and aligned. You will need a 5/16 drill bit, 3/8-16 tap and drill press.

- Loosen the bolts allowing you to move the clamp forward and back on the table.
- Move the clamp back from the apron a distant equal to the diameter of the radius bar.
- Place the radius bar on the table with the radius bar mounting tabs on the finger(s) and centered.
- Carefully mark the hole locations where the radius bar tabs touch the fingers.
- On a box and pan brake, remove those fingers and using a center punch, place a point at each of these locations for drilling.
- In a drill press, drill a 5/16" hole.
- On a straight brake, you could drill the mounting holes in place, I recommend you use a drill guide to keep the drill perpendiuar to the surface.
- Using a 3/8-16 tap, tap the holes you made in the last step.
- Reinstall the fingers on your brake and bolt on the radius bar.

You are now ready to start enjoying making perfect radius bends.

Tip - When you are forming light material, set your clamp back from the edge of the table at least 2 times the thickness of the material being formed (including the radius bar). When forming maximum rated material use at least 3 times, and better to try 4 times material thickness for your set back. Set back allows a radius. Up to a point, more radius results in needing less pressure to make the bend. Less pressure means everything is distorting less and you get more consistent bends.

If you have any questions, please give me a call.