A bending table?

[sni-per]

I make small lawn and garden ornaments, in my 'spare' time, mostly using 1/4 to 3/8' rebar, and light steel, with a mix of odd pieces I find along the way. I am thinking of setting up at some local craft shows, and maybe a Pinterest site.

I'd like to build some kind of 'bending table'. Thus far I've bent all my rebar by hand, or in the vise, but age is telling me that I need a "better way".

There are a lot of knowledgable people on here, with some wonderful ideas, so I'm coming to you all for some ideas as to how to build something for a tool. It doesn't have to be elaborate, or powered, but something that would make it 'easier' would be great.

Any ideas would be appreciated!

 

[Gokart]

Post some pictures of what you make and I am sure we can offer some good solutions.

 

[HAY YOU]

When bending rebar or wrought iron into shapes you just need a steel topped table that you can weld pins on to trap the end of the rebar & bend away, when using #4 bar (1/2”) & up. Make yourself up a Hickey bar for added advantage.

 

[jason_etc]

I think HAY YOU's suggestion is a pretty good one. I whipped up a pretty quick jig by welding some 4" sections of different diameter pipe to a pretty hefty piece of steel plate. I then clamped the plate to my welding table. I used it to bend quarter inch rod and flat strapping. If I left the piece long I could easily manhandle it into the right shape, otherwise I just whacked it with a hammer to shape it. I was bending the rod to make loops on the end and I wanted a uniform size and shape. Worked like a charm. I'm not sure I still have it, if I do I'll grab a pic.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I would go with a 1/2" steel top with holes drilled for pins, hard wood might work with bushings. Then have different radius guides that drop over the pins. Hole placement up to you, I might try a 4" pattern first or just drill as needed.

Richard

 

[rslaback]

I think the first thing I would consider is using a torch to heat the bar.

 

[Blackmarket]

Definitely a jig table with holes. That way you can space or configure as needed. Then when done, remove bolts, clamps, pins, or whatever you decide to use and get ready for next project.
I'm sure you've also seen the mini benders as we'll. you would just need to make or buy a stand that is secured to the floor or attach to a table. Much easier on the body when bending too.

 

[Zeke]

What's wrong with a Hossfeld type of bender? I've got the HF one (I usually wait until I can find one used) and it's worked for me.

 

[rslaback]

repeatability.
except for muscle memory you build each piece from scratch.

a jig table repeats perfectly.

My bender has the ability to add in a stop block so your bends are consistent. Most do.

Sent from my LG-LS855 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Zeke]

repeatability.
except for muscle memory you build each piece from scratch.

a jig table repeats perfectly.

If he's building yard art that doesn't seem like the main feature to look for. A lot of metalwokers have a Hossfeld on the corner of a heavy table. You could have the best of both worlds plus a welding table.