I want to bend something...

[Mdemon]

I've had the kind offer of some sheet stainless steel, I think it's between 6mm and 12mm thick.

How the heck do you bend something like this???

What sort of company does this sort of thing?  Sheet metal fabricators?  

Anyone know?

[Seadart Bob]

<font color='#000080'>Hi John

I'll give Chris a ring in the morn.
He's bound to know.
Go on Iv'e got to ask!!!.... what do you have in mind for it?

Cheers
Bob

[Doug Parker]

It's probably going to be 6mm, And your going to need hydraulics to bend it or a huuuuuuuuuuge hammer and vice. &nbsp;Just buy one you tight git, you'll get a hernia trying to bend it yourself. Should get it today.

[Digger]

What you need is equipment that I'd seriously doubt you have. Combro have got the sort of presses I think you'll need, but then unless they're round the corner, the courier is probably going to make it pointless for the saving.

Whatever it is, I'd just buy one. It's not the raw materials that cost the money!!!

I do have a mate who can bend up to 1&quot; thick, but it beats me as to why you'd want to. Also, if you want to cut any slots or holes, I'd do them before you bend it, as you can't get it in the bed for the laser-cutters once you've bent it.

So, what are you using it for? I presume an S/S plate? For £35, you could have a combro plate. Is it worth all the time and effort?

[Dominic]

'it it wiv a nammer

[Mdemon]

A BIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIG hammer Dom!

I'm hoping to make a valve guard - and before you start, that's £55 to £120!

Good point about the cutting though - so I'm after a laser cutter then?

[Digger]

Laser cutter is what you need. The metal goes on a bed, and is then cut by a magic beam that I wasn't allowed to go anywhere near. A lot of places have these, and failing that you might be into a milling machine, but I'd avoid it if you've got the dimesions you want to make the thing with.

And Online Scuba do a valve guard for a very reasonable price, you know. Next day delivery, no hassle service, good guarantee...

Are you sure it's worth it?

Other thing is that a valve guard which is out by just a little bit can stress a manifold and make failures more likely. That was another possible cause on the one we had blow last week. Just make sure you get it spot on, and you're fine.

[Digger]

Can I make another suggestion? You may find it much easier to cut and weld this sort of thickness which will probably be more than strong enough for what you're doing. That way, there's no bending at all!!!

Just another idea, trying to think round the problem, not through it!

[daz]

Ritherdon

£35 + Vat + Delivery.... &nbsp;OK I know it adds upto about £50 all in but this is for a double valve guard.

But best of luck with the sheet steel, &nbsp;and if it does not bend then you need an even bigger hammer. &nbsp;

Daz

[Dominic]

You could avoid stressing the manifold by making it T-shaped and attaching it to the steel bands rather than the valves... just an observation.