Q: What gauge material will it bend?
A: The ER3 rated capacity is 22 to 29 gauges this equates to .030” – .014” thick, please refer to “what materials does that translate to” question.
Q: What materials does that translate to?
A: The gauge is a measure of the thickness of the metal, metal thickness increases as the gauge numbers decrease.
Steel:
- 29 gauge is .014″ – residential roofing
- 28 gauge is .016″ – residential roofing
- 26 gauge is .018″ – standing seam roofing
- 24 gauge is .025″ – standing seam roofing
- 22 gauge is .030″ – commercial roofing
Aluminum:
- 24 gauge is .019” – coil stock material, commonly used for trim and flashing
- 22 gauge is .024” – mid grade coil stock, commonly used for trim and flashing
- 20 gauge is .032” – better grade, commonly used for trim and flashing
- 18 gauge is .040” – architectural sheet metal work.
Copper:
- 26 gauge is .016” – commonly used for backsplashes, range hoods as well as roofing
- 24 gauge is .022” – 16 ounce copper sheeting is often referred to as “roofing copper” or “roofing flashing.”
Q: Is there a special technique?
A: The trick to making a nice straight bend on metal with the ER3 is to start with a straight cut edge on the material you will be bending. Because the ER3 tracks along the edge of the material to be bent it is important to have a straight cut. The technique that works the best to prevent rippling of the material is to not to bend the material up to quickly. It is better to put light pressure on the tool and make multiple passes bending the material up about 10-20 degrees on each pass. For a bend to 90 degrees you should plan to run the tool back and forth at least 5 times.
Q: Explain the type of bend that is achievable?
A: The ER3 is capable of bending straight bends of an infinite length up to 90 degrees. It is also capable of bending a 90 degree leg on a curve with radius of 17 feet or larger. It will work on tighter curves if it is not necessary to bend to a full 90 degrees, attempting to bend to a full 90 degrees on a tight curve will result in ripples on the bent up material.
Q: Why would you need to adjust the ER3?
A: The bending depth of the ER3 Metal Edge Roller can be adjusted from 5/8” to 4” (15.9-102 mm) deep depending on the individual application. For example, this gives the tool the ability of making deeper bends for custom flashings and then adjusting the tool for shallower bends on trim stock.
Q: How do I adjustment the ER3?
A:
- Loosen the three wing screws on the top of the tool.
- Adjust the center roller using the depth indicator marks on the top rod and lining up the desired depth with the back of the aluminum plate. Tighten the center wing screw.
- Slide the tool together until the center set of rollers seat themselves into the holes into the base of the handle frame.
Q: Do the ER3 rollers ever need to be replaced?
A: No, the rollers do not nee to be replaced, they will last the life of the tool.
Q: Can the rollers for the ER3 be replaced?
A: No, the rollers are not a replaceable item.
Q: Will the ER3 scratch the metal roof?
A: To ensure scratch free performance, make sure that there is not any foreign material on any of the rollers or surfaces that will come in contact with the metal roofing.