Bending Thick Metal - What Oxy-Acetylene Tip?

[Beltzington]

I am rebuilding a large wood-chipper and there are several mounting points that are badly bent and I would like to straighten. Since this are part of a large metal chassis and are very thick (see pics) I believe they will need allot of heat to get cherry red for bending.

I have full size oxy-acetylene tanks and Smith torch and some welding tips. Which tip would you recommend I use or should I buy a rosebud heating tip? Concerned about using the cutting torch as I do not want to damage them in the process. Also, I have only used the oxy-acetylene for cutting up metal scrap so don't assume any special skills. Appreciate any advice.

 

[Fifelaker]

Use the cutting attachment and don't hit the cutting lever. It wont damage the iron that way.

 

[Texasmark]

Use the cutting attachment and don't hit the cutting lever. It wont damage the iron that way.

And turn up the pressure and adjust controls to get a nice long blue inner cone. Put the end of the tip of the cone right at the steel.

Mark

 

[ttriff]

I use a rosebud when bending steel

 

[adirondackmtnman]

Rosebud will definitely get it there a lot faster. It can be done with a cutting tip, but it'll take longer...

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[muddstopper]

I have been practicing heat shrinking on thick metal lately. Usually for something similar to what you have pictured, I would use the biggest tip I had for my torch and try and get the whole thing cherry red and then frail away with the biggest hammer I could find. I can usually get things sort of back in line and shape using that method. With heat shrinking, you dont heat the entire part. Instead you use thin cherry red lines and light taps with a hammer and bunches of cold water. I am still learning this process, but the more I use it, the more I think I am going to like it. Results seem flatter, less twisted, and fewer ugly hammer marks. Heat shrinking is slower than the red hot and big hammer method, and is not for every situation, but I am liking the results so far.

 

[Beltzington]

Thank You - I believe I will give the cutting torch a try and go from there.

Another question, do you gain any heat transfer by cleaning the area before applying heat or will the paint and rust be "burned" off during the heating?

 

[Ken45101]

Make sure that you do not exceed the allowable withdrawal rate with acetylene. You really need a big tank to effectively use a rosebud on acetylene. You might consider using a propane tank, even a 20# BBQ size tank if you go to a rosebud.

 

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

Make sure that you do not exceed the allowable withdrawal rate with acetylene. You really need a big tank to effectively use a rosebud on acetylene. You might consider using a propane tank, even a 20# BBQ size tank if you go to a rosebud.

Yep, my vote as well - I use propane for cutting and heating instead of acetylene.

 

[adirondackmtnman]

You might consider using a propane tank, even a 20# BBQ size tank if you go to a rosebud.

Agree...Much more economical with the cost of acetylene these days. Just make sure to get a propane rosebud.

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