I was wondering if anyone knows much about bending pieces of metal (tubes, flat bar, etc.)? It seems like we have a “roller” that can accomplish this, but I’m not familiar with how to use it. If anyone has the knowledge and would be willing to get me started I’d greatly appreciate it!
Thanks
We have several benders, can you describe what you are trying to make and approximate bend radius?
Thickness matters. We can’t roll any sheet over 16 gauge. But we can roll anything less than that to any radius
@Mrholthaus do you know of a class coming up that would demonstrate the process? If not would you be willing to get me started?
That material is too thick for the roller we currently have. It will do rod up to 1/2”, but it will not do flat strap that wide that thick. You can bump bend that on the press brake… you have to think far enough ahead though so you do not paint yourself into a corner.
That looks like a huge pipe like the one Tim gave us. It looks like it was cut into sections. I think a lot of wood oriented people have this issue, they think metal can change form easily instead of looking for the piece of steel that fits their need. Instead of buying an expensive flat plate of 1/2 and bending it, it might be easier to look for something that is already that shape.
Speaking of wood oriented people: I would wager laminate curves? can apply here. Buy some 16ga or thinner steel, and cut out long strips. Soak them in water, bend on sliproll one at a time, and then apply metal glue. Then sand to make it look like one piece of metal.
You also mentioned tubing above. We do have several tubing benders for round tubes(think roll cages). We don’t have square dies yet though. They are pricey.
Metal glue – we usually call that “welding”. By the time you put that much work in, you could have bought a piece of steel that fits your needs.
