Strength difference- brake vs cut and weld

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I have a project that I have to fit up off-site and wont have access to a brake. Wondering how much of a difference in strength I'm going to need to account for by cutting and welding, rather than braking the part out. Material is 1/4" mild steel plate.  Bends will need to in the 30-45 degree range. Loads will be mostly be in tension, and torque against the brake lines. Aesthetics are not an issue, so the full weld can be left in place, not ground back off.  Over the years , I've built a lot of bent parts by using the method of cutting nearly thru, then bending either into or away from the kerf, the welding it up.  I haven't had a failure doing so, but I've always wondered.Thanks-
Reply:Strenght  shouldn't be an issue but controlling warping will be fun. Can you add an angle or other stiffener on the edge? You will have to skip around on the welds , but its doable. If you get as much of it together before final welding would work the best to get around warpage.Last edited by M J D; 01-18-2014 at 10:27 PM.Miller xmt304,  Miller S22 p12, Miier Maxstar SD, Miller 252 w 30A, Miller super32p12, Lincoln Ranger 9, Thermal Arc 181I with spoolgun, Hypertherm 10000 ,Smith torches. Esab 161lts miniarc.