Bending metal for a CP

[menace]

So I finally got around to getting a cocktail cabinet or two cabinet together and I'm just at the step where I need to fabricate a control panel.

I have a el Cheapo metal break from Harbor Freight to use so im good on that score.

I've never actually used it though so I'm curious ,do you start from one end and go to the other or do you start in the middle and work your way out --what's the best way to form a control panel?

[brad808]

I have maybe 7 or 8 cocktail cp I don't use. Maybe they can fit for you?

[jasonec]

If it's the same dimensions as a Midway cocktail (e.g. MsPac), I've got some original CPs you may be able to use that are in excellent shape.

[rockinganker]

Your break will not give a large radius like on a Midway cocktail.

Your better off to bend it using 2x6 or 2x8 lumber, that gives a much nicer radius and as long as you setup square, it works just as well as a break. I have a large finger break and bending tight corners is awesome, control panels upright or cocktail I use lumber.

When I bend my panels, I start on one end and work my way around. I leave my blank a little long and trim to finish length with my shear but you may not have that option.

[menace]

Thanks for the feedback--Its a midway "style" cabinet so not strictly conforming to specs I don't think. The control panel opening measures 11 1/8" wide so if you guys have any panels that fit that space, i'd be happy to find them a new home! I need 4 at the moment but if the building goes easy, then I may make more--we'll see.

Thanks for the info on the bending--I had resigned my self to fairly tight corners with my primitive break--I assume there are youtube videos on bending control panels with lumber So i'll have a look if there are some. Always better to learn from others mistakes versus my own

[brad808]

These are different style I believe.