Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a bending press for bending the boundary edge of a planar sheet for shaping into an open seam tube, with an upper tool shaped to correspond to the bend radius to be achieved and an opposed lower tool which may be displaced vertically, between which the boundary edges of the sheet which is clamped in place in the press frame may be bent into the desired boundary contour. The lower tool is provided with a straight working surface and mounted to pivot about a rotational axis whereby the pivot range is at least so large that a permanent planar contact between the working surface of the lower tool and the bottom face of the boundary edge is possible during the bending.