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Bending Aluminum Angle
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Author:  Trochu [ June 3, 2018, 2:03 am ]
Post subject:  Bending Aluminum Angle

I bought some aluminum angle to reinforce the let down on the nose cone where the hood rests. I'm having a he k of a time forming it to fit the fiberglass though. Anyone have any suggestions, other than lots of heat and notching?

Author:  Miatav8,MstrASE,A&P,F [ June 3, 2018, 7:10 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Bending Aluminum Angle

Sounds like you are using aluminum extrusion, similar to what is used for windscreen framing. Mark the area to be bent with black felt tip marker, then use a propane torch to evenly heat the area until the mark goes away.

You can use 6061-O from aircraft spruce in .080 or .050 for easily bendable reinforcement that is cheap compared to other alloys.
Another option is fiberglass to add cross section, similar in effect to beading an aluminum panel for stiffness. This can be done by glassing over thin, narrow strips of wood, foam, or greased tubing that will be pulled out of the glass once it has cured, leaving a raised hollow rib.

Author:  Trochu [ June 3, 2018, 11:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Bending Aluminum Angle

Thanks MV8. I'd heard the sharpie trick before but had forgotten about it.

Going for something like this:
Image

Author:  rx7locost [ June 3, 2018, 11:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Bending Aluminum Angle

My life moto is: "Never pass up the opportunity to purchase new tools". The HF shrinker comes to mind. I think you'd do just fine with some formed 0.0409 or 0.050 sheet aluminum in place of the extruded aluminum, and shrinking. Just a thought...... :cheers:

edit: forming said 0.040" aluminum over a piece of MDF shaped for that curve would also work. It will take some effort and time, but can be done by hand.

Image

Author:  Miatav8,MstrASE,A&P,F [ June 3, 2018, 11:38 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Bending Aluminum Angle

I would not try to do that with an extrusion. I'd do that with .080 6061-O but like Chuck said, not the only way to do it. I prefer the thicker gauge because the alloy is so soft and easy to bend so stiffness from the gauge more so than the hardness.

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