Re: Bending flat bar

bruces1@xxxxxxxxx wrote:
Thanks for the reply.

I'd like to bend 2.5mm x 25mm flat steel bar "the easy way", in a
semicircle with a radius of approximately 150mm. I only need to bend
two pieces. My budget is extremely limited. We are talking USD50 or
less, so unfortunately a Hossfeld bender is not an option. I know that
for anything serious, buying the right equipment is the way to go, but
this is purely a one off hobby project, where the goal is to learn a
little bit along the way, and there are no time constraints.

Before I started searching the web, I wondered whether I could simply
bend the bar by forming it around something hard of the correct
radius, like a pipe, with a mallet. The radius and shape of the bend
doesn't need to be balls on accurate.. it is only be a matter of
aesthetics. What kind of results could I realistically expect with
this approach?

Bruce

What do you have for tools already?
If you're only making two pieces you could use a simple buck and heat to for the steel.

First get some plywood and cut out the shape you want the steel to finish in. If needed layer a few pieces to make it thick enough.

Now make a stop on one side out of the same stuff. You want it thick enough to hold the steel tight.

Now you need HEAT, torch will work, all you need is enough to heat a section to red. Then you heat and form the first section, Then repeat until you get it to a close fit. Once you get it formed use a rawhide or dead blow mallet to finish it.
Just do it the same way a blacksmith would have done it.

Yes there are tools that can do this easily, but you really don't need them. Consider that using the same type method is how some of the high dollar hand built vehicles are made. Shot bags and wood bucks.

--
Steve W.
Near Cooperstown, New York
.

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