Mittler Bros Machine & Tool 2800 Straight Brake - Manual (Page 11)

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Hemming
The brake may be used to form hems on the edge of the work-piece in lighter materials. A hem is formed
by making an acute (reverse) bend in the work-piece (apron and then clamping the bend flange under the
Upper Clamp Head to press the flange closed (to 180 degrees). Often the hem will not fully close in the
center of a long piece due to the fact that the outer ends of the brake are more rigid than the center. This
situation can be improved by inserting a strip of material (of the same thickness as the work-piece)
between the work-piece and the Upper Clamp Head slightly longer than the open portion of the hem. Re-
clamp the Upper Clamp Head to close the hem. A tinner’s mallet or hammer is also useful for closing
hems. Use caution not to use excessive force on the clamp handles to close the hem.
NOTE: Forming hems is a secondary operation for a hand brake. If you adjust the brake to close a hem in
the center of the work-piece the brake most likely will not bend straight.
MAINTENANCE
Lubrication
Use good grade of general purpose grease on all slide assemblies and pivot points.
Alignment & Adjustments
The Brake has three (3) truss rods to allow adjustment of the three (3) primary welded components.
Adjustments are completed by adjusting the nut on the center truss rod of each welded component.
Apron & Bed Adjustment Nuts Upper Clamp Head Adjustment Nut Adjustment Nuts
Primary Alignment -- The Upper Clamp Head must be straight the entire distance across the Upper Clamp
Head. This is the reference for all other alignments on the Brake. Raise or lower the center of the Upper
Clamp Head by adjusting the nut on the center truss rod.
Hold Down Alignment – The forward edge of the Upper Clamp Head must be even and parallel to the
front edge of the Bed Table. Release the clamp pressure at each end slightly, loosen the bracket lock
screws on each end, and turn the adjustment bracket screws on each end to move the Upper Clamp
Head front edge in alignment with the Bed Table front edge. Apply light pressure between the Upper
Clamp Head and the Bead Table and check the Upper Clamp Head front edge to Bed Table front edge
alignment. Raise or lower the center of the Bed Table by adjusting the nut on the Bed Table center truss
rod.
Apron (Leaf) Adjustment – The center of the Apron Head / Angle must align with the front edge of the Bed
Table. Raise or lower the center of the Apron Head / Angle by adjusting the nut on the Apron truss rod.