Bending plate

[Jump This]

I have some 1/4" X 12" X 4'+ plate that I want to bend.
Before I get to into the project, what I want to know is, can I
bend it with a 20 ton press?
I will be making a transfer case skid that will follow the bends of the stock transfer case cross member.
If not, am I crazy to think I might be able to do it with a torch?
(I'm presently just taking a beer break and maybe check out some
of the NASCAR race...)
Rick R:sunshine:

[WB9YZU]

I have some 1/4" X 12" X 4'+ plate that I want to bend.
Before I get to into the project, what I want to know is, can I
bend it with a 20 ton press?
I will be making a transfer case skid that will follow the bends of the stock transfer case cross member.
If not, am I crazy to think I might be able to do it with a torch?
(I'm presently just taking a beer break and maybe check out some
of the NASCAR race...)
Rick R:sunshine:
Perhaps it would be easier to partial cut, bend, then weld it back together (fill) at the gap?

[seanR]

We bend with a 20 ton press all of the time.
Just weld a chunk of angle iron inside of a channel and use another chunk of angle to press down on the metal you want to bend.
It takes a little practice, but it is very doable.

[Jump This]

I could do that!
My plasma cutter has a gouging mode...didn't think about that.
BTW my boy just won in Vegas!
Rick R:sunshine:

[Jump This]

I don't know Sean....
My press wouldn't even budge the plate. You do know I am talking about 1/4 by 12" plate? I have used it to bend 6"X1/4 with no problems..just a little extra elbow grease....but it wouldn't move the bigger plate.
What did work was gouging with the plasma cutter then bending.
Thanks for the help
Rick R:sunshine:

[lazyxj]

Not having a press or big brake, I bend sheet by partially cutting it, bending it and then welding the cut back together.
Clamp a straight edge guide (a 1"X2") where the bend is to be made and notch it with an angle grinder, using a cut-off blade. I keep notching it until I can bend it by hand.
It can be a very accurate way of positioning a bend.

[Jump This]

Not having a press or big brake, I bend sheet by partially cutting it, bending it and then welding the cut back together.
Clamp a straight edge guide (a 1"X2") where the bend is to be made and notch it with an angle grinder, using a cut-off blade. I keep notching it until I can bend it by hand.
It can be a very accurate way of positioning a bend.

But a plasma cutter is tons faster :D
Rick R:sunshine: :sunshine:

[lazyxj]

But a plasma cutter is tons faster :D
Rick R:sunshine: :sunshine:

I have all of the good stuff at work but they refuse to let me take it home, dang!