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.