US Patent 7021096 Front gauge for a sheet bending brake

A method, a front gauge and a sheet bending brake with a front gauge providing a scale for gauging a workpiece of sheet material, and optionally also for supporting the workpiece and/or squaring or angling the workpiece relative to a bending anvil of the brake. Mounting, either front mounting on a bending member or under-mounting below the brake, connects the scale to the brake, preferably removably and repositionably, such that the scale extends in front of the brake and under the workpiece, thereby enabling simple and efficient one-operator use without interfering with brake operation. The mounting also provides means for removably and repositionably attaching accessories such as a workpiece support and a workpiece rack.