A hemming machine is provided with a frame, a hemming tool support structure and a swinging drive structure. The hemming tool support structure is rotatably coupled to the frame to rotate about a center rotation axis. The hemming tool support structure includes a hemming tool disposed at a first location such that the hemming tool moves towards and away from an edge part of a workpiece that is supported on a die upon rotation of the hemming tool support structure. The swinging drive structure transmits a rotational driving force to the hemming tool support structure via a releasable connection located on a side of the center rotation axis that is opposite of the hemming tool. The releasable connection is configured to release the swinging drive structure to allow further rotational movement of the hemming tool away from the die.