o/t metal bending

[jackb_ms]

I need to make a little bracket out of 1mm thick steel.

One part will need to be bend to 90 degrees.

What is the best way of bending the steel whiteout weakening the steel?

Will it be to heat it up and then slowly bending it to shape? Any other ideas?

 

I don’t have access to a press

 

Thanks for your help

 

Jack

 

 

Emily, The Very Yellow 21

[susser]

With something like that it's generally OK to just hammer it over in a vice; the metal is so thin that there is very little stretching of the outside radius. You would only have trouble if you went for a pin sharp crease, with cold metal. IMHO

Paul

[Mad7ner]

[Sheds Moderator]

Agree with Susser, I've done a lot of this. 1mm is easy to bend, just buy soft annealed sheet and it's easy to work. IIRC they alloy it with a bit of lead to make it pliable.

 

Heavier sections and sharper curves will require (red) heat.

 

I use 2 sections of angle iron in a vice and a selection of plastic, rubber, and leather hammers to bend sheet steel. If you want to do a lot, Machine mart have a bending jig for not much money. This gives better results, if you are using hammers you need to be skilful to get a decent bend without distorting or stretching the metal, especially on a long run.

 

1mm won't be very strong though, on its own.

[jackb_ms]

Thanks for the advice gentlemen

 

I've ask one of my Wrought iron gate maker and he has agreed to make one out of thiker metal.

 

Cheers

 

Jack

 

Emily, The Very Yellow 21