I need to bend an 8” wide steel plate so that an inch on each side is bent down at a 90 degree angle. First, can a 13 gauge carbon steel plate tolerate a sharp 90 degree bend? Next, what’s the best method? So far I’ve seen a few DIYer videos that recommend clamping angle iron at the edge for the bend location and then use an opposing piece to bend it. Anyone have experience with this gauge steel?
13 gauge steel plate bends
- Thread starter Rick D
- Start date
Firebrick43
Well-known member
Up until approx 12 gauge steel a good rule of thumb is that the bend radius should be equal to the thickness of the steel. Above that it needs to be much larger. So the radius should be about .090".
So no, it cant be a sharp 90.
I always used a brake or press to bend any thing above 20 gauge.
you're going to find it difficult to bend that nicely with hand tools . you don;t mention the length of the bend.
one DIY method would be to slice the metal part way thru , bend it & then weld up the slice.
one DIY method would be to slice the metal part way thru , bend it & then weld up the slice.
yelchevelle
Well-known member
Depends on what you are using it for, and how nice you want it to be, but you probably could look around for a mom and pop machine shop to bend it for you. Have it all ready to go. Stop by in person. Most would probably tell you no over the phone. Where are you located? Someone here might own or have access to brake and could help you out.
finn
Well-known member
Harbor Freight 20 ton press and a SWAG Off-road press brake kit.
metalmagpie
Well-known member
Partially slit along your bend line with a cutoff disk. Then make your bend, now much easier. If you need full strength, follow up by welding.
My experience is a steel yard won't bend stuff you brought in..the understandable reason is they don't know what the steel is and
don't want to damage their equipment. Doubly so for shearing. The local yard can bend 1" or better.
My thought is, without knowing how big you are talking, go to local steel yard and ask for a "drop" from something they sheared. They will bend it for $5 each or shear for $10. I have picked up several drops for a little more than scrap price.
don't want to damage their equipment. Doubly so for shearing. The local yard can bend 1" or better.
My thought is, without knowing how big you are talking, go to local steel yard and ask for a "drop" from something they sheared. They will bend it for $5 each or shear for $10. I have picked up several drops for a little more than scrap price.
crazylunker
Well-known member
If your ever in the trumbull area I have a small press brake I can do up to 3/8 thick mild in.
Thanks all. I ended up buying a 20 ton Harbor Freight press along with the attachment for doing 90 degree bends. It made simple work of the 13 gauge steel I needed to bend. It's a good buy because I was going to need a press when I redo the suspension components of my project car and need to press in new wheel bearings. Thanks all.
Fantastic. Once you have some kind of press breaking capacity you will learn the real secret is simply using it as much as you can to learn the particulars and limits of what can be done.
That’s great.. I was scrolling down to tell you to do just that! I haven’t bought yet, but my project(s) are upcoming; I had seen that attachment at SWAG tools online, then saw a similar kit at HF. Perfect if you only need to make a few bends now and then.
Slednut
Well-known member
This is the best way you’ll get a super nice bend though you’re cut off wheels going to have to be thicker than a usual thin cut off Wheel. Or once you see the two sides of your slit come together make a couple more passes with the cut off wheel.
whateg01
Well-known member
If you want the sharp 90 on the inside, the slit will be on the outside.
Slednut
Well-known member
I’ve done it both ways in different situations. IMO if looks are what you’re going for the inside is better.
