Forming question?

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How would a guy go about forming the "bumper" around the back part of this bed? The piece that looks like square tubing on the bottom. Attached Images
Reply:One method is to cut the upper and lower radius from flat stock and then wrap flat stock for the inner and outer piece to fit.  Weld and finish.  Time consuming but worksDave J.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:pie cuts and bump it around.  If your a layout master you can get the reliefs perfect and tig weld it.     For us mear mortals that have a million other titles besides master press brake operator you just bump around a piece of flat bar or sheared plate and cut a radius piece to fill the top and bottom and weld the corner to corner fit ups.Vantage 500's LN-25's, VI-400's, cobramatics, Miller migs, synch 350 LX, Powcon inverters, XMT's, 250 Ton Acurrpress 12' brake, 1/4" 10' Atlantic shear,Koikie plasma table W/ esab plasmas. marvel & hyd-mech saws, pirrana & metal muncher punches.
Reply:Use angle or channel or tubing.  Notch the inside edge bend and weld.  The inside edge is the edge that will close up as you form the bend.  The notches will be closed when you complete the bend, so you won't have to bridge a huge gap. The first notch could be just a straight cut with a cut off wheel, bend and notch again, if needed.Provided you don't have a bender to make the radius.Last edited by tapwelder; 01-15-2013 at 01:51 AM.
Reply:I was going to make similar suggestions in terms of notching, but if you want the square profile throughout the turn AND a smooth turn then I think you basically have to construct that part by hand (from plate either cut or bent accordingly).Miller XMT304 CC/CVBernard TIG coolerSSC foot pedal"It's a poor craftsman who blames his tewls toles TOOLS" (!^$#% keyboard)
Reply:Notching will work, but if you want it to look smooth you will need a lot of notches, hence a lot of welding and grinding.   I would probably construct it from pieces.Whatever you do you will need to try a test piece to see if it comes out to your satisfaction.RichardSculptures in copper and other metalshttp://www.fergusonsculpture.comSyncrowave 200 Millermatic 211Readywelder spoolgunHypertherm 600 plasma cutterThermal Arc GMS300 Victor OA torchHomemade Blacksmith propane forge
Reply:Another possibility, of course, is to realize there might be any number of other shapes you like just as much.However, for this one, since it's really part of the back shroud of the truck, it needn't really be square tubing: it doesn't need a bottom or a back. Think of it more like a very small bumper. Less work, and more freedom to mess with the design a little if the spirit takes you.Miller XMT304 CC/CVBernard TIG coolerSSC foot pedal"It's a poor craftsman who blames his tewls toles TOOLS" (!^$#% keyboard)
Reply:Thanks for all the info!