Key Features
Heavy-Gauge BendingHandles 18 gauge mild steel at the full 48 inch width and 16 gauge mild steel at half width, so it is built for real sheet metal forming work instead of light trim-only jobs. 16 Removable FingersThe Shop Fox M1118 box pan brake includes sixteen adjustable steel fingers for boxes, pans, channels, and other bends that a straight brake cannot handle cleanly. Leverage That HelpsA counterweighted adjustable handle reduces the effort needed on longer bends, which matters when you are working heavier sheet stock through a full stroke.
Overview
The Shop Fox M1118 48-in. Box / Pan Brake is a heavy-duty manual sheet metal brake built for fabricators, maintenance shops, HVAC work, and serious metalworking users who need to form boxes, pans, and straight bends in mild steel. This is a box and pan brake designed for bending sheet metal into angles, channels, pans, and box forms. Model Number: M1118.
What matters most here is capacity. The M1118 can bend 18 gauge mild steel across the full 48 inch working width, and 16 gauge mild steel at half width. That gives you enough room for larger panels while still having the strength for heavier work when the bend width is reduced. It can also form bends up to 135 degrees, which makes it useful for more than simple 90 degree work.
The big advantage of a box pan brake over a standard straight brake is flexibility, and this one gives you plenty of it. The sixteen removable steel fingers can be used individually or together depending on the part you are making. Finger sizes include five 2 inch fingers, six 3 inch fingers, and five 4 inch fingers. That setup lets you create enclosed shapes, short flanges, and offset sections without fighting a fixed clamping bar.
Shop Fox also built this machine to deal with heavier forming loads. The precision-ground fingers have hardened edges, which helps the clamping surfaces hold up better over time and supports more accurate bends. The adjustable brake handle is counterweighted for leverage, so you get better control through the stroke and less effort when working broader sections of steel.
For actual forming limits, the M1118 has a minimum reverse bend of 7/16 inch and can form pan or box sides up to 2-1/2 inches high. Those numbers matter if you are making trays, covers, electrical boxes, duct transitions, or custom brackets where flange height and reverse clearance can make or break the job.
This is not a light benchtop hobby brake. With a 52 inch by 12-1/2 inch footprint and substantial assembled weight, it is meant for a dedicated shop setup where stability matters. If you regularly form mild steel and need repeatable box and pan work with removable fingers, this machine makes sense. If you only bend occasional thin aluminum trim, it is more brake than you need.
The right buyer for the Shop Fox M1118 48-in. Box / Pan Brake is someone who wants manual control, solid capacity, and the versatility to switch from straight bending to box forming without moving up to a much more expensive powered machine. For small fabrication shops and serious sheet metal users, that is the sweet spot.
Built for Box and Pan Work
The removable finger setup is what turns this from a simple bending brake into a much more useful sheet metal forming tool. You can open up the clamping area to match the part instead of being locked into straight full-width bends only.
- Includes 16 removable fingers for flexible layouts
- Finger sizes: 2 inch (x5), 3 inch (x6), 4 inch (x5)
- Precision-ground steel fingers with hardened edges
Handles Real Sheet Metal Capacity
Capacity is where buyers usually separate shop-grade brakes from lighter machines. The M1118 gives you the width for larger workpieces and the strength to bend mild steel without stepping down to very narrow parts.
- Maximum workpiece width: 48 inches
- 18 gauge mild steel capacity at full width
- 16 gauge mild steel capacity at half width
Set Up for Controlled Bends
The counterweighted handle and heavy frame help you keep the bend smooth through the stroke. That translates to better control, especially when you are forming heavier gauge stock or longer panels.
- Adjustable brake handle is counterweighted for leverage
- Forms bends up to 135 degrees
- Minimum reverse bend: 7/16 inch
What’s in the Box
- (1) Shop Fox M1118 Box/Pan Brake
- (16) Box Fingers
- (1) Owner’s Manual
Key Specifications
| Maximum Workpiece Width | 48 in. |
|---|---|
| Bending Capacity at Full Width | 18 ga. mild steel |
| Bending Capacity at Half Width | 16 ga. mild steel |
| Maximum Bend Angle | 135° |
| Minimum Reverse Bend | 7/16 in. |
| Maximum Box/Pan Side Height | 2-1/2 in. |
| Finger Configuration | 16 removable fingers: 2 in. (x5), 3 in. (x6), 4 in. (x5) |
| Footprint | 52 in. x 12-1/2 in. |
Built For
Metalworking Sheet Metal Fabrication HVAC Maintenance Shops Custom Brackets Boxes and Pans Channels and Flanges General Fabrication
Pro Tip
When you are laying out small boxes or trays on the Shop Fox M1118 48-in. Box / Pan Brake, build your finger spacing to leave just enough clearance for the return flange. That helps you avoid marking the workpiece and makes it easier to pull the part cleanly after the bend.
Warranty & Support
2 Year Limited Factory Warranty.
Tool Nut’s Take
Tool Nut’s Take
Shop Fox M1118 48-in. Box / Pan Brake for serious sheet metal work
This is the kind of manual brake that makes sense when you need real forming capacity and removable fingers without jumping into powered equipment.
- Who it’s for: Fabricators, HVAC shops, maintenance departments, and serious metalworking users building boxes, pans, covers, channels, and custom sheet metal parts.
- Why it stands out: Full 48 inch width, 18 gauge mild steel capacity at full width, and a 16-finger setup that gives you much more flexibility than a basic straight brake.
- Worth knowing: This is a heavy shop machine, not a portable brake. Give it a proper dedicated space and buy it for steel-forming capability, not occasional light trim work.
Common Questions
- What type of tool is this? It is a manual box and pan brake for bending sheet metal into angles, boxes, pans, and similar formed parts.
- What material capacity does it have? The Shop Fox M1118 is rated for 18 gauge mild steel at full 48 inch width and 16 gauge mild steel at half width.
- How many fingers does it use? It includes 16 removable steel fingers in three sizes: 2 inch, 3 inch, and 4 inch widths.
- How tall can the pan or box sides be? The maximum height of pan and box brake sides is 2-1/2 inches.
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