Bending Sheet Metal

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Hello everyone,I have a couple of brackets to make out of some 16 gauge steel, and I was wondering what the trick was for adding the proper amount of length to the flat piece so it ends up the right size after its bent. I remember reading a post on here one time, I think it was ZAP who posted it, but it suggested how much extra lenth to add before bending. I cannot find that post, so if someone knows the trick, please let me know.ThanksQMiller Syncrowave 200Hobart Handler 140Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38E-Z Tube BenderPlasma Cam DHC2
Reply:Anybody?Miller Syncrowave 200Hobart Handler 140Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38E-Z Tube BenderPlasma Cam DHC2
Reply:you don't add, you subtract cause material gains as it's bent.  Material gains different depending on what dies and material you are using.  On our dies 10 ga. gains .27 for each bend.  That's .135 for each side of the bend.  I'd recommend getting a piece of scrap to try first.DewayneDixieland WeldingMM350PLincoln 100Some torchesOther misc. tools
Reply:I'll see if I still have any of my old airframe text books to get the formula. Littlefuzz is correct you subtract. Give me a day or so I don't remember if those books made the move or not.
Reply:Thanks for the info, but when I bent my test piece, it shrunk. I did it 4 times, and everytime if got smaller. Kind of threw me for a loop, because when I bend tube, it stretches like you said, but for some reason this stuff got smaller.Miller Syncrowave 200Hobart Handler 140Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38E-Z Tube BenderPlasma Cam DHC2
Reply:Originally Posted by QuciferThanks for the info, but when I bent my test piece, it shrunk. I did it 4 times, and everytime if got smaller. Kind of threw me for a loop, because when I bend tube, it stretches like you said, but for some reason this stuff got smaller.
Reply:google "bend allowance" and you'll find loads of info; formulas, minimum radii for specific alloys etcin the meantime...http://www.engineersedge.com/bend_allow_calc.htm
Reply:The airframe text books didn't make the move. The formula that hotrodder posted looks like what I remember. If you find and aircraft airframe how to books they go a little more in depth on how to gauge your bend point.
Reply:Thanks guysMiller Syncrowave 200Hobart Handler 140Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38E-Z Tube BenderPlasma Cam DHC2
Reply:Did ya get it figured out?DewayneDixieland WeldingMM350PLincoln 100Some torchesOther misc. tools
Reply:Not exactly. I ended up wasting a couple before I got it right. I dont know what the deal was, but I got them made, and they fit great.http://www.weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=13181Miller Syncrowave 200Hobart Handler 140Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38E-Z Tube BenderPlasma Cam DHC2