Straightening stock / press

[astro_al]

Hi guys, another random question - recently I quoted for a job (which I got due to bidding stupidly low and then regretting wasting my time!) where a competitor's quote included straightening the stock so that the tops of the handrails appear flat / straight when looking along them.

Looking at the stock I was sent, I can see why this is a good idea! So, anyone use a straightening press / have experience of sorting out dodgy stock? this was a 4.5m single length rail, so the problem is acute at these longer lengths.

I have seen the odd straightening press on ebay, but never really paid much attention. Should I?

Cheers, Al.

 

[Welderpaul]

If we get stock thats bent - it gets sent back. You shouldnt have to mess about straightening stuff.
Odd times we straighten stuff if its been punched we use the pyramid rolls. With a bit of care you can roll most things flat.

 

[Hitch]

Same as Paul mostly, bent stock goes back, of if its a dodgy length in a bundle, its kept back for cutting into short bits, then it doesnt notice so much.

 

[astro_al]

hmm, yeah, I know what you mean, the issue is not when its so bent that it obviously needs to go back, its when it looks 'straight' at a glance, but when you look down it you can see meanders and undulations. Do you just use it as it? I guess this problem wouldn't have come up if the railing hadn't been so long.

I find (when i actually look) that a very high percentage of stock lengths are wiggly to some degree.

Thanks for the replies guys, Al.

 

[Welderpaul]

Our suppliers used to try it on sending us rubbish. They know now that if they send us crap its going to cost them another trip to us to exchange it.

You just need to check it as its delivered and make the judgement if its suitable or not.

 

[Paul.]

A flypress is as good as anything, simple home made flattening tool and 2 blocks is ideal, another method is a gentle push with a hydraulic pipe bender.

 

[Hitch]

I guess it depends on what it is, where its for, who its for, what it does..... blaming the galvanisers is a good excuse

Some stuff sorts out with 2 blocks of dunnage and a copper mallet or sledge on bad stuff.