Metal Fab question

[Jemaddux]

 

[blazerpro79]

well, assuming you dont want it chromed, you could weld it flat on the top, only on the top of the diamond plating. apply heat to the diamond plating and it should bend, and when its heated, shape it to the cage, then when its bent, weld the other sides of it to the cage.

 

[tRustyK5]

Are you trying to cap that upper area with diamond plate? If so about the only way to get the diamond plate bent to that radius is to put it through some plate rolls or to bump it with a press brake every 1/2 inch or so.

I guess if the diamond plate is thin enough you may be able to tack it to the top bar and then clamp the sides down, tack where it touches the radiused tube, then move the clamps down, repeat. Some good bar clamps might be able to pull down 14 guage and have it look decent. Much thicker than that and you'll need to have it formed somehow.

Rene

 

[cybrfire]

If it were me I'd roll it. One thing to keep in mind is your 6.5" radius is on the centerline of the tubes. If you want it to sit flush its a different radius.

 

[wildbilzrydn]

Are you trying to cap that upper area with diamond plate? If so about the only way to get the diamond plate bent to that radius is to put it through some plate rolls or to bump it with a press brake every 1/2 inch or so.

I'm w/ Rene on this, this is how we used to make snowplows for the great state of Illinois.
It's way too early in the morning for me to be doing math, but I tried anyhow... Here it the formula.

6.5"r = 13" dia. 13" * 3.14 (pi) =40.82" (circle) 40.82 / 4 = 10.205" (about 10 3/16")
So you need a plate to start with 10 3/16" wide but this will only cover the curve.
Then you need to brake it every inch at 10 degrees to get it to 90. (90 / 9 = 10)

Check my math before you begin, you can use chalk and string and a protractor on your garage floor.


Bill

 

[tRustyK5]

6.5 CLR with 2" tube would be an outside radius of 7.5". the 1/4 circle would be 11.75", plus the bend allowance. If it's getting bumped with a press brake you'll need about an extra inch on either side (all depends on the throat of the bottom die). If it's getting rolled you'll need up to an extra 6-10" on either end depending on the roller diameter.

Rene