Posted by Kevin in Ohio on Tuesday, December 02, 2003 at 1:30PM :
In Reply to: Fabrication posted by Josh on Tuesday, December 02, 2003 at 12:45PM :
I would not score the backside. It will only accelerate the breaking process again. If you have access to a bench vise try this. You'll need to find 4 scrap pieces of steel (1/8 inch thick will do) that have a good straight edge.
Mark your bend line. Line up 2 of the pieces on the line and clamp it in the vise tightly. Take the other 2 and clamp them about 3/16" above the line. Make sure they are straight and equal on both sides and clamp tightly with C clamps. Take a hammer and pull on aluminum and tap it down side to side till you get the angle desired.If you use thicker steel pieces you will have to make the gap bigger. This will also give you a bigger radius at the bend point.
I did this all the time before I made my brake. You can bend heavy steel the same way you just have to heat the bend area with a torch. I used old plow shears for sraight edges. Good Luck and hope this helps. Kevin