Bending 65 x 10mm flat bar

[Billt]

I'm making some implements for my compact tractor & need to put 30 - 45 degree bends in the bar. I don't have an oxy set. I've read that an option is to cut a slot in the bar, bash to required angle in a vice then run a weld fillet along the slot. Several questions arise:

1) How deep should I cut the slot?
2) Should the slot be on the inside or outside of the bend? (The inside being side on which the slot closes when the bend is made)
3) I presume the welded bend will not have the same strength as a heat bend? Any ideas on how much strength is lost? (eg 50%?)
4) Any other suggestions greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Bill T

 

[gordon stephenson]

Hello Bill T
I have used this method quite often without any problems. make the cut on the outside and it opens up to give you a nice weld prep.I would leave about 1mm uncut and get plenty of penetration down to the root.

 

[rtbcomp]

I bent some RSJ that way. I cut a Vee shaped piece out of the inside of the bend and welded up the closed Vee after bending.

It was 1/4 inch thick steel cut down to where the flange met the bottom part of the section. (I was bending upwards).

 

[Hitch]

On the dd occasion i need to do this, i normally cut the outside, the mm or 2 left, on the inside of the fold.
You end up with a nice open corner to weld up, but also add another weld on the inside.

Strength wise, providing your welding is okay, you wont loose any.

 

[Billt]

Thanks everyone; appreciate the advice. Regards, Bill

 

[scar]

This all works well ... and I've used this cutting method approach a couple of times before, though pardon my ignorance but I can't understand why there would be the need to weld also the inside! Surely if you lay a nice bead on the open end, the bar won't be able to fold back since it would have to squeeze all that welded metal - which is impossible...but anyway...in order for you to have all the info I'm suggesting a more expensive method...

A flat bar bender. Great tool. I bought one when I got tired of ruining bends using only the vise and hammer or sleeving stuff for leverage with a heck-of-a-pipe. The vise has always held up but I guess I wasn't doing it any good. I bought one which is capable of bending 4" x 6mm max COLD. (Though you'd have to have the biceps of Arnold to execute that). It was cheap - mainly because it is manually operated but I've made bends (using hand power) on 3"x6mm. If you find one at a good price, GET IT!!