I Like To Tinker

  While working in the garage last weekend I found myself needing to make a 90 degree bend in a piece of 2" wide 1/4" thick metal stock. You can't just put this in the vise and expect to pull and hammer on it and end up with a clean tight bend. What you will end up with is a warped wonky ass piece of unusable scrap...or at least thats what I've heard. Normally at work I would use the press or a torch and get the steel red hot then make the bend with ease. I don't have a press or torch at home so how would I accomplish the important task of bending this steel? I could just cut it and weld the two pieces together but I had an idea and the only way to get those voices out of my head is to follow through with them.

 "Run what ya brung". I've been using a cut off wheel in an angle grinder to do all my steel cutting chores at home. I used that grinder to cut a groove in the steel where I wanted the bend.

 I've been contributing to the SnapOn truck vendors retirement plan and one of my latest purchases was a rotary grinder. I've had an air tool version of this forever but this battery powered right angle die grinder is a game changer. I like using it at work so much that I brought it home for the weekend just to find an excuse to use it. You'd think after talking it up so much that I'd have a pic for you but no.

 I quickly ground out a semi-circle area of metal along the slot I cut. This is just to provide clearance when the metal is bent.

Big ass adjustable wrench. Not sure whos initials are welded in the handle but I know they ain't mine.

 With the relief cut I was now able to easily make a clean 90 degree bend. I then just flipped the piece over and welded along the inside seam.

So there ya go. I like to tinker.

Later.