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Bending aluminum on a sharp corner

PostPosted: Sun Feb 17, 2008 3:06 pm
by GoDucks
I have been lurking for a while and am in the process of building a small trailer to tow behind my motorcycle. I want to put some black aluminum on the front and sides, the problem I have is bending the aluminum around the sides on the sharp corners. I have enclosed a pic to look at. I will be puting tread brite diamond plate on the top and rear, as well as the hatch. Anyone have any ideas? I could do it in two peices if necessary, but would prefer to not have a trim piece on the corner. Also the fenders won't be on when putting the skin on.

Image

PostPosted: Sun Feb 17, 2008 3:14 pm
by asianflava
You will probably have to use a sheetmetal brake.

PostPosted: Sun Feb 17, 2008 4:25 pm
by rainjer
It would also depend on the thickness of your skin. I think anything up to .063 can be brake formed without anealing.

PostPosted: Sun Feb 17, 2008 4:48 pm
by Jim55
Try [url]HomebuiltHELP.com[/url] --- click at the bottom of the page going to "tools" You will find ideas for brakes made from 2x4 lumber. That works very good.

Wish you were closer then I would have done it for you on my metal brake!

Jim

PostPosted: Sun Feb 17, 2008 5:00 pm
by Gage
Yep, mark it where it needs the bend and take it to a sheet metal shop and have them brake it for you. Shouldn't be but a couple of bucks. :thinking:

PostPosted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 7:03 pm
by GoDucks
Thanks for the feed back, I don't want to deal with breaking it so I will just 3 piece the front and sides and use some flat aluminum trim pieces to finish off the corner.
Thanks again.