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The Mainline => Scratchbuilding => Topic started by: labdad on June 21, 2026, 01:47:18 PM

Title: Metal roof tutorial
Post by: labdad on June 21, 2026, 01:47:18 PM
This will explain how I made the metal roofing for my machine shop in 1/16th (3/4"=1')
I'm going to show each step
I use embossing foil from amazone 🤣
It's.004" thick.

I cut the blanks with a utility knife.
I went through several making 95 panels.
Mine were 3" x 6"
I laid out the dimensions on my mat.
Title: Re: Metal roof tutorial
Post by: labdad on June 21, 2026, 01:48:45 PM
After cutting to size I mark the center with an embossing needle. This helps me keep the blank centered on the form.
Title: Re: Metal roof tutorial
Post by: labdad on June 21, 2026, 01:52:40 PM
The form is 1/2" plywood with 1/8" triangle styrene.
This worked out for the 2" (in scale) bends.
Title: Re: Metal roof tutorial
Post by: labdad on June 21, 2026, 01:55:15 PM
I center the blank lining up with the embossed line.
Pushing my metal rulers down one at a time between the triangles. Then fold the edges over with a scrap of wood.
Title: Re: Metal roof tutorial
Post by: labdad on June 21, 2026, 01:57:31 PM
Using a scrap of the same plywood to cut the waste off the panel. I leave the rulers in place and use the scrap plywood as a guide. Doing this results in 3 1/8" "V's"😀
Title: Re: Metal roof tutorial
Post by: labdad on June 21, 2026, 01:59:14 PM
Ta da!
I did batches of 10 and it took less than 30 minutes.
I did each step 10 times and this worked like an assembly line.
Title: Re: Metal roof tutorial
Post by: labdad on June 21, 2026, 02:02:43 PM
I also have a paint tube squeezer that makes corrugated roofing. Not sure the correct name but that's what it's supposed to be for. It's made by fiskers. I have the handles tie wrapped together for ease. To use just put the metal in (there are arrows) and twist the orange knob.

Hope this helps.
Any questions please ask.

Happy Father's Day!

MJinTN
Title: Re: Metal roof tutorial
Post by: deemery on June 21, 2026, 02:19:05 PM
Thanks for the great, thorough tutorial!

dave
Title: Re: Metal roof tutorial
Post by: Rick on June 21, 2026, 02:43:58 PM
Thanks Marty.
Looks simple enough.
I guess a little math and you can convert to O scale or HO.
I'm guessing that tool to make the corrugated would be too large for O scale.
Title: Re: Metal roof tutorial
Post by: Jerry on June 21, 2026, 04:32:50 PM
Nice tutorial.  You always said that is the way to go make a jig.

And the panels are really great.

Jerry
Title: Re: Metal roof tutorial
Post by: labdad on June 21, 2026, 05:17:09 PM
Glad y'all liked it.
I felt like I was writing a paper for school. 🤪
The jig would need to be made for O scale.
The jig would just be 1/3 smaller
I don't think the thickness would be noticeable.

MJinTN
Title: Re: Metal roof tutorial
Post by: Philip on June 22, 2026, 09:08:49 AM
A great way to make 5v roofing.

 

Philip