New Rib Roofing

The old method for making rib roofing was a long drawn out process using the wooden jig board and rubbing the metal into a grove, then using a hand break to shape the rib. A times the spacing between ribs wasn't consistent and had a tendency to drift, causing the ribs to fan out at an angle to each other.

This method has proven to be better and easier making the rib type roofing and siding. By cutting the metal to the size needed for each panel ahead of time you will have better control over the finished product. The loss of width is the same after the metal is bent to shape. Adding 3/8" to the finish size wanted allows for the loss do to bending, for 2" finish width, cut a 2-3/8" rough cut. This has worked out for the panels I have made.

The tools used for making this style rib, you may have already if you have been following changes made over time as I have tried the many different ways of using metal for model building. The old standby, the Fiskars Paper Crimper, and a hand break are the basic tools for bending and shaping the metal. Beside these tools you will need scissors or a paper cutter to cut the metal, with the usual modeling tools needed for measuring, etc..

I watch at yard sales for the blade type paper cutters. I have been lucky and found a small 6" X 6" printers post card cutter, 12" X 14" paper cutter and a, like new, 20" X 20" paper cutter. They cost me, .10 cents, .25 cents and $3.00 respectively.

I first cut my metal to a working size, these are cut 2-3/8" X 4", to give a finished ½" scale panel of 4' X 8'. You want to cut up enough metal for your project plus a few extra pieces, because of " Murphy's Law".

Before you can make a complete panel, you will have to make a piece to aid in making the bend that locks over the side of the next panel, when assembling the roof of your model. Make this piece longer and wider so you will have a larger work surface to use. I'm calling this piece the anvil when referring to it.

[Top]

"Making the final bends"

After you have made the above piece it's time to make the final bends. Lay one of the piece with two bends on a flat smooth surface placing the hand break over one of the bends squeeze it tightly to close the gap completely.

Using the anvil made earlier we will make the final bend. Using one of the panels that has one bend squezzed. Place the bend over the anvil and squezze tightly against the anvil.