Would you like to build a CO2 laser cutter similar to this?

That can cut things like this:

Instructables has an exceptional step-by-step guide as to how to go about it.

As the introduction states:

The general idea of this CO2 laser system is that a beam is directed down to a part for cutting. The part sits on a computer controlled platform which moves the piece around the stationary laser beam. Cutting is acheived (sic) by passing the beam through a focusing lens. A focused beam exits through the bottom of a cutting head nozzle. Gas, such as oxygen, is fed into the side of the chamber below the focusing lens. This gas exits the nozzle along with the beam and the laser beam/oxygen combination serves to vaporize the steel for cutting.

There are pictures a plenty, videos of it in action, a block diagram pdf and seven extensive pages of instructions on how to build one.

Well, the site is called Instructables.

Here’s a simple bending jig I’ve come across by David W. Wilson:

David W. Wilson’s Bending Jig

Bending Jig Parts

Dimensions

A thick steel plate and large bolts will handle heavier bending. However, a plywood base may be used for lighter bends. The steel plate base is easily assembled if the holes are threaded. But bolts and nuts will also work if held top and bottom through drilled holes in the plate. Various sized sockets from a socket wrench set adjust the radius of the bend. A metal strap may be used to hold the socket in place, and to help keep the bolts from twisting. Smooth bolts and sockets are preferable to threaded rods for the threads will damage the work piece. This type of jig can be held in a vise, or bolted to a work table. A large flat surface around it can help keep the bends flat.

The distance for the work piece between the bolts and/or socket should be snug to keep it from slipping. Several holes drilled into the base at various distances facilitate making numerous radius bends.

“S” type bends are easily bent with this jig. A long rod will help give leverage for several S’s. They may be bent by: 1. Inserting the end of the rod and bending the top part of the “S” 2. Work this bend back through the jig reversed, then bend the bottom of the “S”. Cut hook from section of rod, repeat. Scrolls are also easily bent by gradually working the work piece around a bolt or socket. For repeated work, it’s best to match it to a master shape.

Bending jig pdf download.

Interested in how to make a milling vise/vice for your jobshop?

Whilst this guy doesn’t have any exact plans in relation to building said tube bender form scratch, he does have plenty of pictures, information and is more than happy for you to ask any questions via email.

As he points out:

There are No Plans for this bender, none now, and none later.
I want you to think freely and create.

So off you go to try and cobble one together.

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UPDATE: More about tube bending including various calculators here.

Are you interested in building yourself a small press brake for use around the home?

I’m quite sure some of you are.

Anyway, here are some plans from 1958 in the form of a pdf which shows you how to go about it.

And here are the specs of the thing as specified on the Vintage Projects website:

This press brake is small-shop size, makes those clean, sharp bends in sheet metal that will delight the eye of a craftsman who has had to improvise methods of bending.

A retractable stop at the 90-deg. position permits the operator to make repetitive right-angle bends. The throat opens to 5/16 in. to admit flanged parts. All main parts except the table, or base, are made from cold-rolled stock.