Board logo

Bend or weld?
Slimy38 - 17/6/18 at 01:15 PM

Out of interest, is it better to bend a single piece of metal or weld two pieces of metal at an angle? Or does it depend on the application?

cliftyhanger - 17/6/18 at 01:51 PM

Not an engineer, but thickness, type of metal and application will all have a bearing.
If steel, heat will mean the bend retains strength. But if you are thinking of something specific, we need details.

Slimy38 - 17/6/18 at 02:01 PM

The three things that spring to mind are;

Steering rack mount.
Fuel tank.
Roll bar.

Assuming all are steel.

907 - 17/6/18 at 04:48 PM

Always quicker to fold.


You can't fold every join, but by keeping welding to a minimum you'll get a stronger job in less time with less distortion.



I have to smile at six sided tanks that are constructed using 12 welds. Crazy


Paul G

Slimy38 - 17/6/18 at 07:03 PM

quote:
Originally posted by 907

I have to smile at six sided tanks that are constructed using 12 welds. Crazy



That's what I was thinking of doing...

I had a go at making a metal folder, but I don't have a strong enough base or enough leverage to bend 1mm steel sheet. The steering rack mountings were ok but I failed miserably when bending a sheet.

907 - 17/6/18 at 07:35 PM

But your from the industrial north.

There must be thousands of benders, brakes & folders, both used and not so used, on your doorstep.

I bet you can't walk down your street without banging your ankles on an Edwards or equivalent.




Paul G

nick205 - 18/6/18 at 08:54 AM

quote:
Originally posted by 907
But your from the industrial north.

There must be thousands of benders, brakes & folders, both used and not so used, on your doorstep.

I bet you can't walk down your street without banging your ankles on an Edwards or equivalent.




Paul G



A comment I was about to make myself - folding and bending generally reuires having the right machinery (and skills) for the job.

When it comes to fuel tanks I chose to buy one from MK Engineering for my MK Indy. Made to measure and fitted perfectly. A combinationation of bending and welding IIRC. Possibly made for MK Engineering by another supplier.

jps - 18/6/18 at 09:38 AM

quote:
Originally posted by 907
But your from the industrial north.


Wolverhampton is not 'the North'...

rusty nuts - 18/6/18 at 12:17 PM

quote:
Originally posted by jps
quote:
Originally posted by 907
But your from the industrial north.


Wolverhampton is not 'the North'...



It is from here! Not saying anything about genders though.

nick205 - 18/6/18 at 12:35 PM

quote:
Originally posted by rusty nuts
quote:
Originally posted by jps
quote:
Originally posted by 907
But your from the industrial north.


Wolverhampton is not 'the North'...



It is from here! Not saying anything about genders though.



Being from Hampshire I consider myself a southener.

To me Wolverhampton is the midlands!

That said I've spent plenty of time in the midlands and there are plenty of metal bashers around there.

YOUSAY54 - 18/6/18 at 03:43 PM

Live next door to a Edwards his name is Norman is that any good?

David Jenkins - 18/6/18 at 03:47 PM

quote:
Originally posted by YOUSAY54
Live next door to a Edwards his name is Norman is that any good?


All depends... is he a bender?