Eastwood Perfect Panel Prep Tool

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The EASTWOOD PERFECT PANEL PREP TOOL is an exclusive design that

provides a perfectly beveled 45° weld-prepped edge in 20 or 18 Gauge sheet

metal to achieve solid, full-penetration MIG or TIG butt welds.

OPERATION

1. Be sure the metal to be weld-prepped is straight and free of burrs or

jagged edges.

2. Back off the Adjuster Screw and Locknut to relieve clamping pressure

then gently close the Jaws (FIG A).

3. Rotate the Adjuster Screw inward until it stops. (Do not over tighten)

(FIG A).

4. Open Jaws and place over the sheet metal edge with the Pivoting,

Moveable Jaw “pushing” to form the Weld Prep bend on the side to be

welded. NOTE: If the Locking Handle Mechanism is toward you, the 45°

bend will be away from you (FIG B). Be sure to plan your work carefully

before beginning.

5. Close Jaws to form a 45° downward bend in the metal edge (FIG B).

6. Open Jaws to check bend. If satisfactory, lock the Adjuster Screw in

position with the Locknut.

7. Move tool along the metal edge forming the weld-prep bend (FIG C).

8. Be sure to check the weld-prep bend proﬁle and adjust tool if required.

IMPORTANT NOTE: As with any metal working tool, the Eastwood

Weld Prep Tool requires a learning curve to achieve proﬁciency. Always

practice on scrap material before using on an actual project

SAFETY INFORMATION

DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in

death or serious injury.

WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in

death or serious injury.

CAUTION used with the safety alert symbol, indicates a hazardous situation

which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.

NOTICE is used to address practices not related to personal injury.

READ INSTRUCTIONS

• Thoroughly read and understand these product

instructions before using this tool.

• Keep these product instructions for future reference.

PINCH HAZARD!

• This tool uses compound leverage to greatly amplify

clamping forces which can pinch ﬁngers causing

serious injury. Keep ﬁngers away from moving parts

of the Weld Prep Tool.

CUT HAZARD!

• Handling sharp metal can cause cuts.

Wear thick work gloves and long sleeves

when using Weld Prep tool.

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Do you have a question about the Eastwood Perfect Panel Prep Tool and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

Safety Information

Read Instructions

Thoroughly read and understand these product instructions before using this tool.

Pinch Hazard

This tool uses compound leverage to amplify clamping forces, potentially pinching fingers.

Cut Hazard

Handling sharp metal can cause cuts. Wear thick work gloves and long sleeves.

Creating Full-Penetration Welds

The Eastwood Perfect Panel Prep Tool is a specialized device designed to create precisely beveled edges on sheet metal for welding applications. Its primary function is to form a 45° weld-prepped edge, facilitating solid, full-penetration MIG or TIG butt welds. This tool is specifically engineered for use with 20 or 18 Gauge sheet metal, ensuring consistent and accurate preparation for high-quality welds.

Function Description:

The tool operates by using compound leverage to apply significant clamping forces, bending the edge of sheet metal to a precise 45° angle. This creates a "V" groove when two prepped panels are aligned, which is essential for achieving full penetration welds. The design incorporates a pivoting, moveable jaw that "pushes" the metal to form the bend. An adjuster screw allows for precise control over the clamping pressure and the depth of the bend, ensuring adaptability to different material thicknesses within its specified gauge range. The locking handle mechanism secures the tool in position once the desired bend is achieved. The tool is designed to be moved along the metal edge, progressively forming the weld-prep bend.

Important Technical Specifications:

Bevel Angle: 45° weld-prepped edge.
Material Compatibility: Specifically designed for 20 or 18 Gauge sheet metal.
Welding Compatibility: Optimized for MIG or TIG butt welds, promoting solid, full-penetration results.
Mechanism: Utilizes compound leverage for amplified clamping forces.
Adjustability: Features an adjuster screw and locknut for precise control of clamping pressure and bend formation.
Jaw Design: Includes a pivoting, moveable jaw for effective metal bending.

Usage Features:

Preparation: Before use, ensure the metal to be prepped is straight and free of burrs or jagged edges.
Initial Setup: Back off the adjuster screw and locknut to relieve clamping pressure, then gently close the jaws. Rotate the adjuster screw inward until it stops, but do not overtighten.
Positioning: Open the jaws and place the tool over the sheet metal edge. The orientation of the locking handle mechanism determines the direction of the 45° bend; if the handle is toward you, the bend will be away from you. Careful planning of work orientation is crucial.
Bending Process: Close the jaws to form the 45° downward bend in the metal edge.
Verification and Adjustment: Open the jaws to check the bend. If satisfactory, lock the adjuster screw in position with the locknut. If not, adjustments can be made.
Continuous Bending: Move the tool along the metal edge to form the weld-prep bend continuously.
Learning Curve: As with any metalworking tool, proficiency requires practice. It is highly recommended to practice on scrap material before working on an actual project.
Safety:
- Pinch Hazard: Due to compound leverage, the tool generates significant clamping forces. Keep fingers away from moving parts to prevent serious injury.
- Cut Hazard: Handling sharp metal edges can cause cuts. Always wear thick work gloves and long sleeves when using the tool.
- Read Instructions: Thoroughly read and understand all product instructions before use and keep them for future reference.

Maintenance Features:

Cleanliness: To ensure optimal performance and longevity, keep the jaws and the metal project surface clean and free of chips, burrs, and oils. This prevents debris from interfering with the bending mechanism and ensures a clean, accurate bend.

The Eastwood Perfect Panel Prep Tool is an indispensable device for metal fabricators and welders who require precise and consistent edge preparation for high-quality butt welds. Its robust design, coupled with its ability to create a perfect 45° bevel, streamlines the welding process and contributes to superior finished products.