Curved Bends

[Marty2005]

I had a couple of projects on the go where I needed to bend some 25 x 3mm flat in a non constant radius curve, if you see what I mean.

I made up this little jig and gradually fed the bar through tugging on it as I went. My newbie efforts came out ok but I wondered if there was a tool around which would be able to consistently reproduce such a curve? A roller would not be any use (afaik) as they produce curves of a consistent radius. How would you experienced fabricators do it?

 

[Hitch]

Sometimes a series or jigs with the right curves will help, knowing where each different radius starts and stops helps. Usually a bit of fine tuning with a tool such as what you have made is required.
A flypress can sometimes be handy, as it will bend the same amount each time as long as you space the hits evenly.


Can you give us a pic of what your trying to produce?

 

[chunkolini]

Hi Marty
Do you mean something like this?
http://www.metal-craft.co.uk/strip-worker.asp
No you do mean this.
Everything on my website is made with one of these, a fantastic piece of kit, made by chaps in grey overall jackets in Hull who have three pens in their top left pockets, and wear their specs on their heads; proper engineers.
A bit pricy? I almost cried when I bought it. Then I tried it out. I get to laugh every time a blacksmith says 'Oh, is that your metal bender?' looking all cocky, then uses the F word as I roll up a piece of 30x5mm strip. They also make cheaper versions, but this one is so versatile, shears and punches as well, there are also lighter weight types as well.

Note, the jig you have made is a great example of how to do without fancy kit, simple cheap and it should do the job a treat.

Chunko'.
ps, mine be up for sale soon, as hopefully I will be buying the bigger version if job 'X' comes in.

Edit, 'Curved bends' is that tautology.

 

[pedrobedro]

'Curved bends' is that tautology. It's possible, do you want them as part of a round circle ? I've always used the method in your picture to produce bits like scrolls, just wind them tighter or looser according to needs.

 

[chunkolini]

Pedro, do you it might be possible?
Chunko'.

 

[pedrobedro]

I mean it's possible it is tautology, now I've googled what tautology is it definitely is.

Draw your curve on a plate then weld some bolts to it at intervals with two at the start to anchor your strip and allow a bit for spring back, you might be able to work it out to something near what you want then adjust it after.

 

[Marty2005]

Cheers guys. Defo like the Metalcraft piece of kit, Chunko. That'll go on my christmas list (only 362 days to go now). The little jig I made seems to give reasonable results and they are getting more reasonable the more I use it.

As for the tautological bit ...

S = curved bends

^ = 'non' curved bend?

I like your idea as well Pedro. That would ensure consistent results, which would be useful. Will post a photo of the project when i can get one.

 

[Marty2005]

Here's the project in question. Something I more or less made up as I went along for lil' sis. Trouble is, several people I know, now want one.

As you can see the radius of the curve from where each leg joins downwards, needs to be the same, whereas the radius of the curve above the point where they join is different for each leg. Does that make sense?

 

[pedrobedro]

If you can make several templates then use them in different configurations you would have a good assortment of final products there.

 

[chunkolini]

Hi Marty
A nice simple project, not too fancy and something that you can build on.
The metal craft kit seems pricey but it is superb, I never had a problem with and it has been used a lot. Their scroll making stuff is very effective as well, I had one and flogged it on as it was not my cup of tea.

Be careful though 'Trouble is, several people I know, now want one.' That can easily lead to things getting out of hand. It is just how I started out.

Make sure the suckers pay you for them, not exploiting them, cover costs, add on a bit of profit and stick every bean you get in a tin and send it back on the equipment, it makes it much easier to buy tools when you are not dipping into living expenses. maybe buy the occasional treat.

Re tautology, touche!! so you can have a non curved bend, is that an oxymoron?

Good luck, Chunko'.

 

[Marty2005]

Cheers Chunko. I've learnt (am learning) to weld simply because it's something I've always wanted to do. So, what to do with my new skills? Got a few ideas which I will test out on family etc. and will certainly try and make my hobby self financing at least. If I can get the consistency and designs right I could possibly have a retail outlet available. I've spent lots of time looking for inspiration (including a certain website). Thinking more in terms of doing 'arty' type stuff (although I'm not particularly artistic ... a left brain, right brain thing I think). Got a couple of things on the go (I'll have to start an album). Definitely trying to keep away from the symetrical, 'scrolly' type of things.

Cheers Hitch and Pedro as well. Good ideas that I'll work on.

 

[pedrobedro]

S is a curved bend and > is an angle, a non curved bend is a straight. An oxymoron is the bloke at the scrapyard on the cutting gear isn't it ? ( Only kidding, I used to do it at my uncle's scrapyard so I know the score. Always damp down or the fire brigade will be there in the night)