When laying out a sheet metal fitting with a single bend, what should you do to account for stretching?

When laying out a sheet metal fitting with a single bend, subtracting the setback from both legs is essential to ensure that the final dimensions are accurate. The setback is the amount that material stretches or compresses when it is bent in a particular way. By subtracting this setback from both legs of the fitting, you account for the material that will be lost during the bending process, thus ensuring that the legs end up being the correct length once the bend is made.

This process is crucial for achieving precision in the fabrication of sheet metal components, as any oversight in accounting for the setback can lead to pieces that are too long. Adjusting for the setback helps in maintaining consistency in measurements and final product quality. Such precision is fundamental in sheet metal work, where even minor discrepancies can significantly affect functionality and aesthetics.