Using a vice for metal forming

[Wookster]

Hi Folks,

Working under the rear wheel arch on my T3 and need to replace part of a panel with a curved rib in it. If I make up a couple of plates will my vice be able to exert enough pressure to make the rib, or do I need a press.
Not particularly heavy plate 0.8mm.

Cheers

Wookster

 

[keith19]

Depends on the size of your vice, and how long a pipe you can swing on it....

Without a long pipe lever, it is surprising how little pressure a vice exerts on steel to be shaped over a bending die, but with a pipe you should be okay on 1mm thickness or below, unless the shape is big or complicated.

Personally I find it easier to knock up rib shapes with a rough hollow pattern die and a ball-pein hammer.

 

[Wookster]

Hi Keith,

I know the vice has limitations in terms of large items so maybe die's are a better way to go. Do you have any pics you could post please, so that I can get an idea of the materials needed. For the vice I was thinking of sections of scaffold pipe welded to 6mm plate to form the grooves.
Someone did suggest routing a shape in hardwood and using a hammer etc but I don't know if it would be tough enough. Might try it though as I have some to hand.

Cheers

Wookster

 

[tigler]

From experience I wouldn't attempt that with anything less than a 6" heavy duty vice. Also, don't forget that it's the jaws that suffer least when using additional leverage, the screw and nut are subjected to extreme pressure when using such a technique.

 

[stuvy]

Hi Folks,

Working under the rear wheel arch on my T3 and need to replace part of a panel with a curved rib in it. If I make up a couple of plates will my vice be able to exert enough pressure to make the rib, or do I need a press.
Not particularly heavy plate 0.8mm.

Cheers

Wookster

could you not beat it by hand like the thai/philapino guys do? have a look on youtube to see what they do

 

[keith19]

Hardwood should be worth a try so long as it isn't dry and subject to break under constant tapping. I have used all sorts of everyday things before now, pipe of various sizes for outside forming, half-pipe held in a vice for inside forming, wood patterns if the wood conforms to that shape anyway. Also bar of different shapes/sizes held flat on the bench and a blunt chisel used to shape the steel around the form of the bar. This technique needs practice like the others, but its amazing what you can do with a bit of patience and old tools and scrap metal objects.
The main thing is to go at it pretty gently with a smallish hammer, taking it gradually; don't welt it like you are a blacksmith. Step back and look frequently to check you are getting the shape you want.

By the way the video Stuvy advises is well worth watching again and again - it's a classic!

 

[anto]

I used my vice for forming a few panels for my car repair around inner wheelarches.
Used the steel clamped in the vice for straight bends and used a ball hammer with the jaws open slightly to beat out the shape i required.
It involved a lot of trial and error but considering id never done it before i was very pleased with the outcome.
Patience is key. No point rushing the job.

Very satisfying as well, taking a flat sheet and creating complex shapes out of it.

 

[Wookster]

Thanks for the advice guys, seen the youtube stuff and it's truly amazing what they can do. My problem is that I can't do that sort of thing for long due to arthritis in my hands, was looking for an alternative but without resorting to a press.

I'll have a go with the hardwood and report back on my success. Basically I've got sections through tree trunks, and 2" thick offcuts so if it works potential for a few dies.

Also seen a couple of designs for home made presses on the forum so will investigate further, no point knackering a perfectly good vice.

Cheers

Wookster

 

[stuvy]

simple solution for you then make a power hammer,
http://www.abana.org/ronreil/left.jpg

 

[Wookster]

Not so simple but I like it, I'll add it to my wish list along with a bead roller.........
Keep looking on fleabay etc for s/h kit needing repair etc but so far either too expensive or too far away. Not giving up though, some day....

 

[outofthefire]

I'd just use a bolster chisel and a hammer on a rubber pad and a piece of round bar for the ends. Work from one side to form the rib then turn it over onto a piece of mdf and dress the steel around the rib.