Liberal Forum

I need to make some small parts that are made out of stamped steel sheet metal, approximately 20 gauge steel. These small parts have slight bends in them.  Part sizes can range from about 2" x  .5" or so.

I was thinking of using something like one of these metal benders


or


These are small parts and I have no experience with either of these tools.  First question is would either of these actually work to put precise bends in small, flat metal parts?  If so, which would work best, or is there another alternative?  I could probably make the parts using a benchtop milling machine, but I don't have one of those....yet.  And, these tools are a lot less expensive.  Any suggestions?

Come on, people, don't we have any machinists on this forum? Metal workers? Gunsmiths?

@ROG62   - thought you might have some experience with these tools???

Skans » 14 Feb 2024, 8:29 am » wrote: ↑

14 Feb 2024, 8:29 am

Come on, people, don't we have any machinists on this forum? Metal workers? Gunsmiths?

Are you just bending sheet metal? Or maybe post some pics of what you need to make if you have any samples...

a link to the top item would be good. The bottom one looks like a rod or tubing bender, except more versatile, but it doesn't look to have the capacity depending upon how the bend lies...link?

what material are you using? 
 
 

ROG62 » 15 Feb 2024, 10:29 am » wrote: ↑

15 Feb 2024, 10:29 am

Are you just bending sheet metal? Or maybe post some pics of what you need to make if you have any samples...

a link to the top item would be good. The bottom one looks like a rod or tubing bender, except more versatile.

what material

Steel - about 18 gauge.  Size is roughly 2" x 0.25".  I plan on (at some point) getting a benchtop mill anyway.  The part is clearly stamped sheet metal.


The spare part I want to be able to make is (left-to-right) the third piece on the top (also the 1st piece). This part is prone to breaking and I want to have a spare one on hand.
 
 
Here's a link to a video showing how the 1st tool is used.  My thinking is that it is not going to be precise enough.  https://youtu.be/tSh0CZQ5Qa0

Skans » 15 Feb 2024, 10:36 am » wrote: ↑

15 Feb 2024, 10:36 am

Steel - about 18 gauge.  Size is roughly 2" x 0.25".  I plan on (at some point) getting a benchtop mill anyway.  The part is clearly stamped sheet metal.


The spare part I want to be able to make is (left-to-right) the third piece on the top (also the 1st piece). This part is prone to breaking and I want to have a spare one on hand.

The one with the spring? 

ROG62 » 15 Feb 2024, 10:46 am » wrote: ↑

15 Feb 2024, 10:46 am

The one with the spring?

The spring is not integral to the piece, but yes.  The first piece also, showing a small "riveted" link.  I mean, if the piece was flat, I could probably just carve the thing using a dremel and a template. 

 
 

Skans » 15 Feb 2024, 10:49 am » wrote: ↑

15 Feb 2024, 10:49 am

The spring is not integral to the piece, but yes.

OK, those are fairly sharp bends. Is the total height of a blank .5"? It looks like there's a sharp die in the lower one, just wondering if it's thick enough for the blank. .050 is going to be stout, so there's also the amount of torque to be considered...

a link would be good...

 I gotta go make a call and then rut about in some snow, so I'll be back in a few...


 

ROG62 » 15 Feb 2024, 11:02 am » wrote: ↑

15 Feb 2024, 11:02 am

OK, those are fairly sharp bends. Is the total height of a blank .5"? It looks like there's a sharp die in the lower one, just wondering if it's thick enough for the blank. .050 is going to be stout, so there's also the amount of torque to be considered...

a link would be good...

 I gotta go make a call and then rut about in some snow, so I'll be back in a few...

The tool I linked to (see video above) can handle bends in some pretty thick tough steel. That won't be a problem.  The sharpness and precision of the bends, being so close and on such a small part, might be a problem.

I have to admit, I sort of want the tool to see what else I can do with it.  But, if its completely useless for small parts (or if there is something better for small parts), then I might not be interested in it.  I suppose if I had a milling machine, I could make parts for the bender to make it more custom to my needs.  Maybe.  Maybe not, because my skills are nil.
 

Skans » 15 Feb 2024, 11:07 am » wrote: ↑

15 Feb 2024, 11:07 am

The tool I linked to (see video above) can handle bends in some pretty thick tough steel. That won't be a problem.  The sharpness and precision of the bends, being so close and on such a small part, might be a problem.

I have to admit, I sort of want the tool to see what else I can do with it.  But, if its completely useless for small parts (or if there is something better for small parts), then I might not be interested in it.  I suppose if I had a milling machine, I could make parts for the bender to make it more custom to my needs.  Maybe.  Maybe not, because my skills are nil.

I think that would definitely work along with a lot of serious stuff if needed. My question would be since he had to mill the surface of die and squareness of the moving part, would it be close enough for your tolerances of straightness. and TBH, that small of a piece and it probably wouldn't even come into play.

Here's a few things I would suggest.

Do you know of someone with a plasma cutter? A local steel supplier does custom CNC plasma cutting and could cut out the piece. They just map it out, easy peasy...Mebbe there's someone in your hood that could do it. Would save a lot of headache. The flipside is it wouldn't give you the satisfaction that you hand crafted it, if your pride can take the hit...I know mine would be bent...but alas, sometimes I just bite the bullet, do it once, do it right...and it's not like you wouldn't have to do grinding on it and other fun stuff...
Make it out of stainless...doubt it would ever break again...well at least until my shopping days run out...  
 
BTW, I never come to this room, didn't even know it existed...  
 

ROG62 » 15 Feb 2024, 11:53 am » wrote: ↑

15 Feb 2024, 11:53 am

I think that would definitely work along with a lot of serious stuff if needed. My question would be since he had to mill the surface of die and squareness of the moving part, would it be close enough for your tolerances of straightness. and TBH, that small of a piece and it probably wouldn't even come into play.

Here's a few things I would suggest.

Do you know of someone with a plasma cutter? A local steel supplier does custom CNC plasma cutting and could cut out the piece. They just map it out, easy peasy...Mebbe there's someone in your hood that could do it. Would save a lot of headache. The flipside is it wouldn't give you the satisfaction that you hand crafted it, if your pride can take the hit...I know mine would be bent...but alas, sometimes I just bite the bullet, do it once, do it right...and it's not like you wouldn't have to do grinding on it and other fun stuff...
Make it out of stainless...doubt it would ever break again...well at least until my shopping days run out...  
 
BTW, I never come to this room, didn't even know it existed...

Now you gone and done it!!!  While a plasma cutter is out of the question.......................hmmmm, I wonder if there are any used laser cutters on Ebay?  But, you're right - a plasma cutter is really what the job calls for.  However, I think I might be able to hand-craft the part.  The $150 bender might be worth the investment.

As always, thanks for your input. 
 

Skans » 15 Feb 2024, 2:19 pm » wrote: ↑

15 Feb 2024, 2:19 pm

1) Now you gone and done it!!! 

2) While a plasma cutter is out of the question.......................hmmmm, I wonder if there are any used laser cutters on Ebay?  But, you're right - a plasma cutter is really what the job calls for. 

3) However, I think I might be able to hand-craft the part.  The $150 bender might be worth the investment.

4) As always, thanks for your input.

1) LOL, like I said, there may be someone around that does stuff like that...certainly worth a look...here's their information...I think it would be worth the try for **** and giggles...but I guess it depends upon how much you want to sink into it...

https://www.midwayiron.com/hd-plasma.php
plasma@midwayiron.com

They also sell drop ends from sheets...

2) from what I've seen, it looks like China is flooding the US with laser cutters for a very 'reasonable' price when comped to the good ones...but what are you getting is the big question in terms of power and performance...

3) The bender is a no brainer for that price...it's not Eastwood, is it?
4) Not a problem as it's just a few hundred feet from the door of my wheelhouse...  

oh, and go stainless, it's tougher to work with, but there's tools to help, flap disc for grinding, cobalt bits for drilling and diamond cutting blades for cutting...you won't regret it...
 
 
 

ROG62 » 15 Feb 2024, 5:30 pm » wrote: ↑

15 Feb 2024, 5:30 pm

1) LOL, like I said, there may be someone around that does stuff like that...certainly worth a look...here's their information...I think it would be worth the try for **** and giggles...but I guess it depends upon how much you want to sink into it...

https://www.midwayiron.com/hd-plasma.php
plasma@midwayiron.com

They also sell drop ends from sheets...

2) from what I've seen, it looks like China is flooding the US with laser cutters for a very 'reasonable' price when comped to the good ones...but what are you getting is the big question in terms of power and performance...

3) The bender is a no brainer for that price...it's not Eastwood, is it?
4) Not a problem as it's just a few hundred feet from the door of my wheelhouse...  

oh, and go stainless, it's tougher to work with, but there's tools to help, flap disc for grinding, cobalt bits for drilling and diamond cutting blades for cutting...you won't regret it...

I believe Vevor sells the bender.  I've seen a number of versions of this.  I actually would rather have the "mini-bender", but it seems like its set up more for round stock

While I can only think of one project right now to use the bender on, in the past, I can think of a number of times that it really would have been a useful tool to have.  I have a small band saw - wondering if I can get a metal cutting blade/band for it?

Skans » 16 Feb 2024, 9:13 am » wrote: ↑

16 Feb 2024, 9:13 am

I believe Vevor sells the bender.  I've seen a number of versions of this.  I actually would rather have the "mini-bender", but it seems like its set up more for round stock

While I can only think of one project right now to use the bender on, in the past, I can think of a number of times that it really would have been a useful tool to have.  I have a small band saw - wondering if I can get a metal cutting blade/band for it?

Correct, unless you're doing a lot of tube/rod bending, the blue one will probably suit your needs better...

they sure do...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CN ... =UTF8&th=1

just match up the length and width of blade it takes. There are guides to tell you what TPI and either straight or variable teeth for what you're looking to cut...


 

To bad exman isn't here...he could tell you how to do anything !
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MackTheFinger » 16 Feb 2024, 8:51 pm » wrote: ↑

16 Feb 2024, 8:51 pm

To bad exman isn't here...he could tell you how to do anything !
.
.
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  so true...
 

Skans » 16 Feb 2024, 9:13 am » wrote: ↑

16 Feb 2024, 9:13 am

I believe Vevor sells the bender.  I've seen a number of versions of this.  I actually would rather have the "mini-bender", but it seems like its set up more for round stock

While I can only think of one project right now to use the bender on, in the past, I can think of a number of times that it really would have been a useful tool to have.  I have a small band saw - wondering if I can get a metal cutting blade/band for it?

any progress?
 

ROG62 » 22 Feb 2024, 10:04 am » wrote: ↑

22 Feb 2024, 10:04 am

any progress?

Here's the update. Well, I've at least made some decisions, but I'm a bit frustrated and feel like a deer caught in someone's headlights - lots of thought, no action. 

I have an informal "list" of parts/things I want to make - all out of steel, aluminum or brass.  Problem is, I have no real metal working skills. Yet, I wake up one day thinking - "I need a milling machine".  Next day "I need a lathe".  And, the next day "what I really need is a precision metal bender and......." 

Problem is, I have limited space.  I also do not have 220 service to my very small workshop, so everything has to be 110 and even with that, I'll probably need to have an electrician increase the amperage. Oh, and it all has to fit.

[Just tell me to shut up, I know I'm bitching like a little girl.]

Then, there's getting some of this stuff "under the wife-radar".  Metal bender - easy, I will eventually get one.  Benchtop Milling Machine - not so easy, timing is key.  Metal Lathe - ain't gonna happen.  But, I might eventually buy one of those cheap mini-lathes that can turn small bits of aluminum and brass, because that's all I'd need out of that.





 

LOL, I feel your pain...we could trade war stories...

One thing with lathes and mills is, what do you really want to do with them...if you're looking to do just light work, they make some great combo machines, and they run on 110 while not taking up any more room than either single unit...and benchtop...

These machines will do the job with lighter cuts and slower speeds...which as hobbyists, it's not a big deal...

Now as far as the wife is concerned, good luck... as much as one loves them, they just don't understand...

not sure if this reply is to you as I selected it from your last post, but the text won't carry... @Skans  

Skans » 13 Feb 2024, 8:57 am » wrote: ↑

13 Feb 2024, 8:57 am

I need to make some small parts that are made out of stamped steel sheet metal, approximately 20 gauge steel. These small parts have slight bends in them.  Part sizes can range from about 2" x  .5" or so.

I was thinking of using something like one of these metal benders


or


These are small parts and I have no experience with either of these tools.  First question is would either of these actually work to put precise bends in small, flat metal parts?  If so, which would work best, or is there another alternative?  I could probably make the parts using a benchtop milling machine, but I don't have one of those....yet.  And, these tools are a lot less expensive.  Any suggestions?

Here's my first mill project, 2 parallel tapered drill holes 15" apart on some new slide shafts for an antique vise I'm working on...simple, right?



Next up, some new mounts for my mill motors and shaft...

Tail end...



Motor mount x2...



I'll have to drill, rough bore and turn the tall area on the lathe, before putting in the mounting holes etc on the mill...

Wish me luck...if you never hear from me again, I shot myself...