How to bend angle iron for feeder project?

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I'm currently building a deer feeder (my first big project).  I'm new to welding and don't know how to approach bending the legs (made from 1.5x1.5x1/8" angle iron).  I've posted pictures of the inspiration...before and after.  The bend can be seen in the legs.  How would I go about achieving the angle on the legs?  I currently only have a Hobart 140 and an angle grinder.  Looking for the most affordable way to achieve this. ThanksBefore BendAfter Bend
Reply:Looking at the discoloration at the bend, I'd say that was done with an OA torch. The OA cylinders in the background sort of back up what I see on the feeder.One option to do the legs the way it's eventually shown is to cut the legs at an angle and weld it to the rectangular base at the bottom vs welding the legs on square and bending them. The " simple" solution to how to figure out the cuts is to get someone to help you and put the rectangular base upside down on the ground. then have them hold the foot of the leg in space where you want it, and take a marker and draw a line on the angle iron where it crosses the base if that makes sense. Then simply cut on your lines with the angle grinder and weld in place. Once you have one marked. you can cut all the other legs the same..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Originally Posted by DSW Then simply cut on your lines with the angle grinder and weld in place. Once you have one marked. you can cut all the other legs the same.
Reply:This is a compound mitre cut but since the deer don't care what it looks like I would do the easy way. Weld the legs on square, then take your angle grinder and cut about 2/3's of the way through from the inside out on both sides of the angle iron. If you cut it about 3" down from the base it will be easier to work with. Then bend out to the desired angle. Then weld on some scrap gussets to hold and make strong. CAUTION: keep in mind a large barrel of corn or feed could weigh 300 pounds or more if full. If it gets wet it could weigh much more. I would reinforce it because I tend to overbuild things. For example, I would run some angle iron from leg to leg about 8" above the ground. Paint it all good and the deer will think you are a professional.Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 12010FtDrillBit.com
Reply:I forgot to mention, I do have a chop saw as well.
Reply:Originally Posted by wb4rtThis is a compound mitre cut but since the deer don't care what it looks like I would do the easy way. Weld the legs on square, then take your angle grinder and cut about 2/3's of the way through from the inside out on both sides of the angle iron. If you cut it about 3" down from the base it will be easier to work with. Then bend out to the desired angle. Then weld on some scrap gussets to hold and make strong. CAUTION: keep in mind a large barrel of corn or feed could weigh 300 pounds or more if full. If it gets wet it could weigh much more. I would reinforce it because I tend to overbuild things. For example, I would run some angle iron from leg to leg about 8" above the ground. Paint it all good and the deer will think you are a professional.
Reply:Whether you make this by cutting the angle iron on an angle or welding it on straight and then bending you should tie all four legs together about 6 inches up from the bottom. This will keep them from spreading apart once you put the feeder on it full of corn. You will probably want feet of some type on the bottom to keep the legs from sinking into the ground from the weight.Mike
Reply:The link shows just that. Legs tied together and instead of feet, a skid so it can be towed into position. Good ideas. I couldn't figure out what the wire basket was for though.
Reply:Originally Posted by JD1. I couldn't figure out what the wire basket was for though.
Reply:I would think the wire basket is to hold a spincaster to spread the feed out.Mike
Reply:Originally Posted by MeltedmetalLooks like it is to protect the solar panels??? Why do you need electricity in a gravity feeder? Sethmac, Can you explain how this feeder works for the uninitiated? I'm not a hunter but I'm pretty sure around here it is illegal to bait deer and should be illegal to feed them. They are doing just fine on their own.
Reply:Originally Posted by MeltedmetalLooks like it is to protect the solar panels??? Why do you need electricity in a gravity feeder? Sethmac, Can you explain how this feeder works for the uninitiated? I'm not a hunter but I'm pretty sure around here it is illegal to bait deer and should be illegal to feed them. They are doing just fine on their own.
Reply:Bistineau & JD1,     Thanks for the explanations. It makes more sense now. We are over regulated( my opinion) here. IIRC handgun use while and possibly for hunting is allowed in some states. Here the only place to legally discharge a handgun is at a licensed range under the watchful eye of the required range master or if you are a law enforcement officer in the performance of his/her duty. Thanks.---Meltedmetal
Reply:Originally Posted by leightrepairsI would think the wire basket is to hold a spincaster to spread the feed out.Mike
Reply:Originally Posted by MeltedmetalBistineau & JD1,     Thanks for the explanations. It makes more sense now. We are over regulated( my opinion) here. IIRC handgun use while and possibly for hunting is allowed in some states. Here the only place to legally discharge a handgun is at a licensed range under the watchful eye of the required range master or if you are a law enforcement officer in the performance of his/her duty. Thanks.
Reply:You might to put some stops on the top to keep barrel from sliding off .Pic 2 barrel is almost off on one side.
Reply:Wow..lots of new posts on feeders   Been in the garage, but thanks to the folks for explaining the feeder.  I was able to do a little practice on getting the angle on the legs...I think its going to work great. If y'all were to eyeball that, how many degrees do you think those are bending out?
Reply:Originally Posted by JD1Wow...what state do you live in? I want to be sure to never go there. It's got to be NY, NJ or CA?
Reply:I suggest trying to get 15 degree angles. That is more than you think it will be.Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 12010FtDrillBit.com
Reply:I think it would be a good idea to include steps or rungs on one side to make loading the barrel easier with out having to bring a ladder with you to get high enough to pour in the corn. Also add a large foot plate at the bottom of each leg to keep it from sinking into soft ground under all the weight. If feral hogs are a problem in your area, also include some tie down anchor points, as large hogs have been known to knock over feeders when they get impatient for the timers to go off. Then they consume every bit that they can get out of it.