Making a step/reinforcement bracket for fender on trailer.

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I am trying to make a step/reinforcement bracket for the fender on a trailer. There will be one on the front and the rear of the fender welded to the fender then to the side channel of the trailer frame.  I am copying the design from another trailer that I have.  I am using 12 gauge diamond plate steel.  The original plan was to cut out the shape from a template I made and then bend the 12 ga plate.  Well that plan has not gone quite as well as I would have liked.  First I do not have a brake that will do 12 gauge steel.  I thought I could clamp it down and heat it then bend the two 90 degree bends (length about 14 inches)  My acetylene tank will only run a #6 rosebud so thought I would try propane with a larger rosebud.  So far I am very disappointed in what I have been able to do.  I can not keep the full 14 inch length hot enough with my technique of heating to get it so that I can bend the 12 gauge diamond plate 90 degrees very well.I am now just about ready to abandon the bending plan and cut the plate and weld it back together.Thought I would ask for any suggestions before I did that as I really thought I would be able to pull off the bending without having a brake that large.
Reply:Whenever I have to bed something thicker like that, I use a cut off wheel on a grinder, and using a straight edge, cut 87% of the way though, and then use two crescent wrenches to bend.Post some pictures!
Reply:You can cut through most of it with a cut off wheel and leave a little at the ends attached. Bend it then weld it after that. Leaving the tabs will keep things lined up for you.Airco Ac/Dc 300 HeliwelderMillerMatic 200 (stolen)Miller Maxstar 150STLMiller AEAD200LE (welding and generating power) Hobart MIG
Reply:I've seen some DIY metal brakes that wouldn't be hard to make. Here's one example.....upsize accordingly.http://forums.pureoverclock.com/gene...tal-brake.htmlIf you don't want to stand behind our Troops, feel free to stand in front of them.
Reply:Thanks Wells...future project 4 sure.Miller 211Hypertherm PM 451961 Lincoln Idealarc 250HTP 221  True Wisdom only comes from Pain.
Reply:That is certainly an interesting project.  Might have to look into that in the future.  Not for this project at this time however.
Reply:Originally Posted by pineI am trying to make a step/reinforcement bracket for the fender on a trailer. There will be one on the front and the rear of the fender welded to the fender then to the side channel of the trailer frame.  I am copying the design from another trailer that I have.  I am using 12 gauge diamond plate steel.  The original plan was to cut out the shape from a template I made and then bend the 12 ga plate.  Well that plan has not gone quite as well as I would have liked.  First I do not have a brake that will do 12 gauge steel.  I thought I could clamp it down and heat it then bend the two 90 degree bends (length about 14 inches)  My acetylene tank will only run a #6 rosebud so thought I would try propane with a larger rosebud.  So far I am very disappointed in what I have been able to do.  I can not keep the full 14 inch length hot enough with my technique of heating to get it so that I can bend the 12 gauge diamond plate 90 degrees very well.I am now just about ready to abandon the bending plan and cut the plate and weld it back together.Thought I would ask for any suggestions before I did that as I really thought I would be able to pull off the bending without having a brake that large.
Reply:here's what I did on a friend's trailer,,gonna do it on mine when I get time.
Reply:Originally Posted by TSCGG13 ...I use a cut off wheel on a grinder, and using a straight edge, cut 87% of the way through...