12-01-2012, 10:31 AM (This post was last modified: 12-02-2012, 12:16 AM by Mayhem.)
I was painting today and ran out of hooks to hang things from, so I made a few. I decided I'd post some pics of the bender that I made, as it does get a lot of use and is very simply to throw together. It isn't my design and I cannot recall where I saw it originally.
It is very simple to make with a block that is held in a vise containing two 10mm rods and a handle, containing another 10mm rod. The handle has a 10mm hole, allowing it to pivot around one of the rods on the base. The other holes allow it to be hung on a peg board. It will bend rod or flat bar up to 6mm and is very useful for hooks, brackets and linkages etc. The 10mm rods are actually the non-threaded sections of old bolts and are simply welded into place.
Whilst the measurements are not critical, I have drawn up plans for what I made on the fly but I'm having issues converting them to pdf. So, I'll post the dwg file and hope it all works. I'm not much of a drawer, so feel free to point out mistakes and suggest changes etc.
Now for some pics (I know how much you like pics!):
Darren, excellent! It's on my "to do" list as well. Do you think I'd need to make any dimensional adjustments to enable it to handle 6.35 mm (¼") stock?
Steve, I have bent 1/4" alternator bolts in it to make hanging hooks, so you will be fine. I probably should have listed the capacity at 1/4"
I would imagine using thicker studs and increasing the spacing would allow larger capacity. The failing point might be the stud in the handle. However, this could be strengthened by adding a small gusset at the rear.
As I said, I simply used what was on hand and there was no real thought or planning. It was a try it and see approach.
(12-02-2012, 12:21 AM)Mayhem Wrote: Thanks Ed for creating and posted the pdf version of the drawings into my OP. Looking at them, I need to refine my block.
"Block" as in Chip off the old block?
Thanks for the ¼" inch green light.
I was wondering if a matching top plate, that one could slip on & slip off would give the studs more support along with the gusset on the handle one, but, I'm getting ahead of myself. First get it done, then experience will show whether reinforcing is necessary.
12-02-2012, 10:02 AM (This post was last modified: 12-02-2012, 10:03 AM by Mayhem.)
Block as in the CAD drawing - I'm teaching myself and some days I win and other days I drink and use strong language!
Make one up and see how you go Steve. I think we put too many projects off through over-thinking and over-engineering. Often it is the quick "I need it now" fix that works the best but often doesn't look sexy, so we hide it away in a tool box or cupboard.
Basic bender.dwg (Size: 39.1 KB / Downloads: 31)
