Is 20 ton enough?

[dragoneggs]

Got it. I will go ahead with my cut and weld for now.

Still a really good idea for future if you need a few bends and can't justify a press. Sorry we couldn't talk you into another tool for your shop.

 

[handirifle]

Yea such is life. Some times we win sometimes we learn! :thumbsup:

 

[mbohuntr]

I used to be a metal fabricator, somewhere, there is a rule of thumb that your bottom die width needs to be (X) times wider than the metal thickness, and since we used to bend 1/2" plate in a 2" bottom, I suppose it could be 4(X) or greater... You would need an 1-1/2" bottom minimum, and limited length.

The longer the piece, the more force required, also, Iron and steel are not the same, Iron is much softer and less prone to edge cracking than steel...

 

[davedj1]

You should be fine welding the piece in, take your time and grind a good V and do a few passes, some preheat with your torch won't hurt either.

 

[handirifle]

Yea will have to use just a propane torch to preheat. Oxy/acet is kaput right now. Not surprised, I bought the little MC set in 1979. Prob paid $100 for the whole set.

Since I haven't gas welded in 20 years will prob just set up for oxy/propane and get a larger oxy tank. What size would be compatible with a 20lb propane tank?

 

[kthompson]

mbohuntr pointed out look for bend radius on the internet. I worked for heavy equipment company and we used a lot of metal we bent from thin gauge up to I think 3/4 plates probably at least 2 feet long. We even used I think 1/2 probably 20 feet long. Most of all those angles were bent to 90 degrees. I think we used a 100 ton brake but that no doubt was bought to be safe size wise. It had a very heavy flywheel and when it hit the steel it was bending it was moving rather fast and design so when it hit the energy was basically used so it retracted rather slow. We had little issue with the steel breaking or tearing or cracking what ever you want to call it. If it did when that part was welded in place they welded the crack as the same time. Most of the cracks ever very short and on the end of the bend where a weld joint was going to be so was welding anyway.

Problem with a hyd press is no speed, no real weight just slow steady pressure pushing. Hey it is a "press" and not a brake. Notice people bending even aluminum for siding do the bending at some speed and not slow like a PRESS would be bending it. The fact the part is coming out of a press as was described is most likely an issue with how it is NOT retained or clamped properly. I have been guilty of doing what most people do, expect the press to hold the part in place while is it being pressed. If you were to see that type of job been doing in a professional shop think you would be surprised how much clamping is done and not with small C clamps or vise grips type clamps.

I am not throwing off at any one on their comments, just fortune to have worked for a company who was very good in safety and doing things right.

 

[bigdeano]

What size would be compatible with a 20lb propane tank?

The propane tank will outlast several oxygen refills. Get an oxy tank that you can move without wrecking your back. I have a 150 cu ft which is getting too heavy at 70 yrs. The guy at the refill place has a bad back, so we had to each take one end last time. If you don't use it a lot an 80 would probably work fine.

 

[handirifle]

I dont use it much so I will look into an 80. Thanks

 

[fatjay]

I've done this in the vice with a 3lb sledge and a torch. Doesn't always come out the best looking but is typically good enough.

 

[handirifle]

I did it once on a piece of 1/4" to test, then ran out of gas for the torch. I will need a larger torch for 3/8" but I think it will come out clean.

 

[Dustind]

Heat and beat. If your worried about strength this is the best way.

 

[bigdeano]

This place has good info on the differences between propane and acetylene if the OP is still interested.

Oxyfuel cutting - process and fuel gases - Job Knowledge 49

 

[dragoneggs]

Heat and beat. If your worried about strength this is the best way.

Hard to argue here.

 

[bandaidmd]

you will never be able to bend that in a regular press without a fingered press break.

 

[dadster4]

I would heat it, then clamp the portion to be bent in a sturdy vise using the leverage of the long length to bend it. Add additional length by clamping a 2x4 to the steel if necessary for better leverage.

 

[handirifle]

big deano,
Thanks for the link. Will study up on it.

dadster4

That's how I usually bend most things in the shop. It is also how I did the 1/4" test piece. The press was a passing thought, but I need to upgrade my torch set. The little MC set has seen it's better days. Thinking of a cheap set from Harbor Freight, cause I only use it for projects like this so welding isn't critical. Unless someone knows they are dangerous or something.

 

[dragoneggs]

Hey handrifle, surely don't want us all to talk you out of a 20T HF press. I do love mine, just can't get the sharp bends especially on thin metals. That said, I can do a whole lot of bending/pressing with it for $150 or so. Good luck.

 

[handirifle]

LOL Yea new toys (er tools) are always good, but limited funds will only let me get the gas setup. It will do what I want to do better anyway.

 

[Dieseljeeper]

Howdy, first off, the HF 20 ton press is a bit weak, the biggest problem being the cast plates that come with it. I broke one in half bending metal with mine and also broke my foot. I used the remaining plate to make a nice pattern and cut some new base plates out of 3/4 plate. One other way you can make the bend you want would be cut the outside of the bend you want to make 1/2 way through with a cut off wheel or hacksaw, make your bend and weld the cut closed. Once youve split your angle you have lost the strength of the section of angle anyway and that way would be stonger than a piece of flat bar welded in

 

[muddstopper]

I have bent some pretty thick metal using a cut off wheel on my grinder. For 3/4 I cut a slot about half way thru, heat and bend, then weld up the grove. Scoreing with the grinder first gives a sharp straight line to bend by. Using heat and a 2ft long crescent wrench and it bends pretty easy. Has been a time or two that after welding up the grove, I have took the grinder to the weld to make it a sharp corner. Most of the time the extra grinding is just to much work.