Is 20 ton enough?

[bandaidmd]

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.

you can get a lp cutting tip for nearly any brand of torch and save a bunch of cash not having to lease a acetylene tank. It takes just a bit longer to preheat and doesn't soot.

 

[handirifle]

I think I will end up with a new set of torches. The whole set is getting pretty worn out. It is from the late 70's and was used hard those first 4 years.

 

[dragoneggs]

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

Or you can buy a couple of beautiful plates from swagoffroad.com. They are expensive but beautiful.

 

[crazyal]

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

3/4" is kind of thin for a 20 ton press. I got a piece of steel that's 1 1/8" think 4" by 40" that I cut up into 8" sections.