bending angle aluminum

[Traxtreking]

I am nearing the final assembly of a trailer, and am having difficulties bending the aluminum angle to the hatch contour. any tips or suggestions?

[mikeschn]

Here's some ideas for you!

Mike...

Annealing
http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=9515
http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=9327
http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=7545
http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=7345
http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=7147
http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=7122

[Traxtreking]

Thanks for the links, much learned. I think that trying to bend the 1 1/2 angle may be too much may try a smaller piece to make the fit. Also, never knew using a candle to soot helps, learning alot on this project.

[mikeschn]

What is the thickness of the angle you are trying to bend?

I annealed some hardened home depot angle for my first build. It worked, but next time I'll get the dead soft stuff from Grant.

Mike...

[Traxtreking]

it is 1/16th thick. Was looking around on the net and locally, but the only angle aluminum I can find is 6061 or 6063 t6.

[mikeschn]

Grant's dead soft stuff is on this page...

http://lilbear.teardrops.net/parts.html#hinge

Mike...

[mikeschn]

Here's what Grant says...

Roof Edge Moldings ... I've got two different styles: the Regular Roof Edge Molding is the traditional looking stuff with the screw-heads exposed on the top, 7/8" across the top with a 3/8" vertical lip (I also have it in a wider version, about 1-1/4", that has a "rolled bead" along the inside of the roof edge, same 3/8" vertical lip; then I have the RV Roof Edge Molding that takes the vinyl insert to hide the screw-heads, it is 1-1/4" across the top with a 3/8" vertical lip, but then there is the Wide Lip version that has a 5/8" vertical lip (because of the longer vertical lip, this is a little harder to bend around tight curves like the rear of a Cub/Modernistic, but with a little "help" and massaging with a deadblow hammer or careful hammer & dolly work turns out quite nicely) ... the Wide Lip version is typically used on the galley lid edges so that it can hang down past the galley walls a bit when closed.

[Traxtreking]

I got some of the edging you linked, but to trim the doors and outer edges of the trailer it's self. Anyway, I "failed" trying to bend the angle I bought. Not sure if I did not temper it right or what, but when I started to bend it the other end started to curl up the opposite direction. Obviously, I will be trying something else.

[doug hodder]

1.5" is way too much without kerfing it. Like mentioned the 1" x 3/8" cap works great, I've gotten it to do some really tight bends around a wheel well. Without pics of your hatch it's tough to see exactly what you are trying to do with it. If you want a deep side to seal or overlap the walls, you may have to come up with another plan. Doug

If you have a table saw, with a carbide blade you can rip the angle down. Of course, it's gotta be straight new stuff, and back it up with something like a 2x4 when you do it. It's a delicate thing to do, but I've done it up to 1/8" material. It's a lot of work however what with easing all the edges etc......buying the correct trim is the better way to go.

[Traxtreking]

Thanks Doug, the radius is 48" to 19" then straight down the back. The idea is to have enough to overlap the sides where the hatch meets it. Was gonna try trimming it down as you had suggested, or finding some trim that I can purchase that will cover the area I am attempting. At this point, I am putting the finish on the Benroy and will wait until I install the hatch it's self before going any further with it. I appreciate all the assistance that has been provided.

[grant whipp]

How much of a gap are you trying to cover?
Is it an original Benroy, a Benroy clone, or a Generic Benroy?
What have you got for the rest of the roof-to-wall edges ... Regular-type or RV-type Roof Edge Moldings, or other?
Happy to help any way I can!

CHEERS!

[Traxtreking]

Grant, it is a Generic Benroy from plans I downloaded from the net. The gap is about 3/8 to 1/2 along the radius. The rest of the trim I have was purchased from Vintage trailers at www.teardroptrailers.com, when I purchased my hurricane hinge.

[grant whipp]

Did you get the Insert-type Roof Edge Molding, or the Roof Edge Door Liner Molding ... or other?
If it is the Insert-type, then my Wide Lip RV Roof Edge Molding would have 1/4" more vertical lip than what you have, and that would help hide the gap, but because that gap is so much (relatively speaking, should really only be 1/4" before trimming/molding), you probably will not get the desired overlap of the galley walls.

CHEERS!

[Traxtreking]

Thanks for all the assistance to help solve my problem. Trimming down the angle on my table saw solved the problem and it turned out rather nice.
Now on to finding gas struts to support the hatch.