box section bending tool

[stuvy]

apart from the xl5 metalcraft bender what else do you guys recommend to bend box section? looking around 10x10x1.2mm upto a max of 25x25x2mm mild steel box. The bends only need to be a 90degree nothing tighter

 

[cumbriasteve]

Sure I have seen it done on one of the Clarke benders, the ones that sell for about £80

 

[stuvy]

i had looked at them and if thats the case il have one on order, hopefully theres a vat free weekend at mmart

previously i did them with a homemade jig and some heat but i need repetition for an up and coming job im doing!

 

[cumbriasteve]

I have a VAT free voucher if you want it, valid until the 2nd april pm me your addy if you want it

 

[Hitch]

Made a hand bender for 16*16 box before, repeatability wasn't a problem, small drag marks on the outside was the only downside. Quick flick with a pad and they were gone.

I can do a quick sketch when I'm on the lappy in an hour or so if you like.

 

[stuvy]

yes please hitch

thanks steve, TIGpaul has also offered me one so il see what hitch has to offer first!

 

[Hitch]

Very quick sketch, sorry!

Roller was about 100mm diameter, but bigger the radius, easier it is to bend.
Machined out to keep the box in shape, about 1mm gap

The 'pressure block' pin needs to be pretty strong to stop it twisting, and a bit of thick oil/grease helps prevent/lessen the drag marks.
A little downward pressure on the handle helps, and it needs to be done in a smooth action.

Bent up many hundreds on the one we made, all quite tight tolerance too.

A backstop can be set, but you will need to clamp the end so it doesnt drag through as you bend.

 

[cumbriasteve]

I like that design Hitch, think beefed up a little it would do my 20mm box, can see me on a parts search

 

[stuvy]

my only issue is i dont have a lathe or a milling machine (hopefully im buying a lathe in the next few months)

Steve would you be interested in knocking some parts up for me?

 

[cumbriasteve]

my only issue is i dont have a lathe or a milling machine (hopefully im buying a lathe in the next few months)

Steve would you be interested in knocking some parts up for me?

I am in the same position as you , buying a lathe soon, thought I had one this week but was rubbish went I went to see it.

 

[stuvy]

thats cool stevie iv ordered a bench bender from MM (thanks again to TIGPaul for the voucher) Hopefully il be able to make do with it until i upgrade to something stronger

 

[cumbriasteve]

There is a good post on here with photos somewhere about a member who has one of those benders and did some simple mods to make bending easier, pretty sure it was on about box section as well, he had it working great with good, quite sharp, repetative bends.
Not got time to look, better half dragging me shopping.

 

[stuvy]

thanks for that il have a search now

Was she looking over your shoulder when you typed that? I sold a car on ebay recently and wrote in the advert that 'sale due to nagging missus' she wasnt happy