Bending Thick Metal

[JoeL4330]

All good suggestions; my first thought would be to put a level across from one axle hole and see where level ends up on the opposite fork ...and, if spinning the fork keeps the level level (you know what I mean) then one might consider drilling a new axle-hole in one fork and, with some judicious reaming and bushing, it should work as is ...assuming the tailwheel will clear the forks thoughout its travel ...of course, I could be mis-thinking this.

 

[jake98]

I think you should go with something better than a cotter pin when you put it back on, it would be a shame if you ran it over after you fixed it.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Most of these I have seen are held on with at least a 1/4" bolt with nylock nut. 3/8 or 1/2" would be better. Make sure you leave room for a heavy washer or two on top plus a big bolt to secure it or a very large cotter pin. I dont believe I have ever seen one welded on.

 

[Doppelgangar]

Get out your 4-1/2" angle grinder and a handful of metal cutting blades. Make a few cuts 1/2 to 3/4 through the thickness so you can bend it straight with a heavy hammer. Then weld the cuts closed.

No welder so how does he weld?

 

[Gary Fowler]

Man, if you have a tractor, you just have to have a welder and learn how to use it. It seems I am always fixing something for myself or neighbor or friend. Welding machine and cutting torch: required equipment for tractor ownership. I think tractor dealer should include them in the sale for first time buyers.(for free of course)

 

[Doppelgangar]

Man, if you have a tractor, you just have to have a welder and learn how to use it. It seems I am always fixing something for myself or neighbor or friend. Welding machine and cutting torch: required equipment for tractor ownership. I think tractor dealer should include them in the sale for first time buyers.(for free of course)

not to forget the lathe, mill, good size press, metal saw and drill press. A must is a bench with a good 6 inch vice.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Lets not forget an anvil or something that can be used to beat metal on for straightening. An old piece of railroad steel will work if you cant find an anvil. I lucked out and found a nice one about 50 pound for $40 at a pawn shop. Up until then, I had to use the two pieces of railroad steel attached to my disc. I still use those for straightening some things when I want to get the 16 pound sledge hammer after them. One of these days, I'm going to weld something on those rails that I can hold those pieces down with so they dont take off when I hit them.

 

[IslandTractor]

Lets not forget an anvil or something that can be used to beat metal on for straightening. .

HF has their 50lb anvil on sale this month for $44. Not a bad deal.

 

[k0ua]

Man, if you have a tractor, you just have to have a welder and learn how to use it. It seems I am always fixing something for myself or neighbor or friend. Welding machine and cutting torch: required equipment for tractor ownership. I think tractor dealer should include them in the sale for first time buyers.(for free of course)

Amen brother, Man has got to have a welder. Life is too short not to be able to "glue" metal back together. I bought an old AC buzzbox almost 20 years ago to keep gluing back together a riding lawnmower I was abusing. Paid for itself in a few days.

James K0UA

 

[flusher]

No welder so how does he weld?

I have 3 weld shops within 15 minutes of my place. And two of them have trucks rigged with stick and mig welders to do the work at the customer's place if the job has to be done in the field. I'm sure the OP has a similar setup.