Bending 1/8 in aliminum

[SANGER-RICH]

What is the easyest way to bend aluminum in a 90 deg if you dont have the correct tools without breaking or cracking the material

[BrendellaJet]

You're gonna need some leverage.

[SUI-CY-COLE]

make sure you got the right aluminum before you bend.

[obnoxious001]

What is the easyest way to bend aluminum in a 90 deg if you dont have the correct tools without breaking or cracking the material
I would think you should find a shop that can do it for you, so you don't ruin your piece of aluminum.

[HM]

heat

[DUCKY]

First the right alloy is the key. If I remember right (and I might not be) 6061 T-6 bends fairly well.
I am not sure what size piece you are bending, but when I have done small pieces, I clamp it in a vise in between two pieces of plywood, and using another piece of wood, start hammering it over. A little heat comes in handy on the thicker stuff, but shouldn't be necessary on 1/8". But, the other guys are right... if you can go to a metal shop and have them brake it, it may save you money and your sanity.

[cowboybob]

What is the easyest way to bend aluminum in a 90 deg if you dont have the correct tools without breaking or cracking the material
For starters, use 5052.
6061 is harder,stronger and more crack prone and if you heat it to bend it you will anneal it and it will effectively become about the same as 5052.
Obviously you are not building anything too "Mission Critical" if you are using .125" Aluminum, so have at it in the Vise with blocks of Wood on either side, preferably blocks that have the radius you are after sanded onto the corners.
Option 2, is to (assuming you are trying to bend 90 degrees or some such number) cut a " Female V" in the block of Wood and cut up a Male part to match, allowing for material thickness and use it in a "Bearing" or "Shop" or "Hydraulic" Press.
Option 2 is going to do the better job and if you don't bend any sharper than 3 times the thickness of the material for your Radius and cut your Blocks to "Overbend" the part since it will have some springback, you should be good.

[FlatRat]

Anneal it first.
Take your torch and adjust the flame till it's real black and sooty.Go over the work and apply the soot.Then re-adjust flame with oxy and burn it off.Carefull,you don't want to heat it too much,just burn the soot off. :rollside:

[Rexone]

Keep in mind if you anneal 6061-T6 and then try to anodize that spot will be discolored. That spot will also be soft by comparison to the surrounding material.
Depending on what you're making I'd go with 5052-H32. Bends good, anodizes well. Soft though by comparison to 6061-T6. 6063-T52 also will bend well.

[Red Horse]

With Aluminum a true 90 at that thickness isnt gonna happen to easy. It will be more of a radius bend so add the thickness to your original lenght to allow for the radius.
Good luck.

[MAXIMUS]

Keep in mind if you anneal 6061-T6 and then try to anodize that spot will be discolored. That spot will also be soft by comparison to the surrounding material.
Depending on what you're making I'd go with 5052-H32. Bends good, anodizes well. Soft though by comparison to 6061-T6. 6063-T52 also will bend well.
Your so sexy when you talk like that mikey! :) Tell me more about planet alingement n shit! :)

[schiada96]

Sheetmetal Sucks!!!

[cowboybob]

Sheetmetal Sucks!!!
None of us REALLY know what we are talking about...........
.....But we did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last Night..............

[steve d]

I don't think you're gonna bend a piece of 6061-t6 at home without a brake. Even then in t-6 condition, it doesn't want to bend. You'll end up with a radius because of the allowance it takes and likely a crack. If you have to do this
6061 T-0 is a better bet. My 02...Steve

[MAXIMUS]

None of us REALLY know what we are talking about...........
.....But we did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last Night..............
I just saved money on my auto insurance! :idea:

[CircleJerk]

You jerks crack me up! Now, fwawp you wittle wingies like a fly and buzzoff...............zzzzzzzz