New Pr's

[Justin Reagan]

I haven't posted in a while (work, work, work), but I thought I might give an update. I've started to several times, but talked myself out of it after reading about all the other huge pr's. Mine seem a little insignificant compared to many here, but oh well. It was only a few months ago that a G5 (little skinny G5, mind you) was unheard of for me when bending DO. But then I got tired of bending almost exclusively DU. Of course, I have a new volume PR in DU--7 G5's in a row. Hopefully the G8 will come soon. But it seems that in the past month or two, I've really started to pick up in DO. The workout before last, I hit a 6" G8 and 2 x 7"x1/4" square FBBC. A G5 was part of my "warmup". Last night, I bent a 6" G8, a 7" x 1/4" FBBC square, and then I got stuck for the first time at 90 degrees. Usually, if I get that far, the rest is no problem. Of course, it was an off-center 5.75" G8. That may be a small warmup for some, but it's pretty good for me. I've also bent a 4" (maybe shorter by a hair, but I'll say 4") 60d, but I don't know how that fits in.

I also cheat-kinked a 7" x 5/16" FBBC to 30 degrees or so, and then finished it. But I don't think that's quite as good as the rest, which started straight...

Later,

Justin

[Tim71]

Nice work! Nothing wrong with a G8 bend. I'm like you and sometimes my bends seem to pale compared to some these guys are belting out but hey most people couldn't even dream of bending a G5 bolt. Also, I've noticed if I try a G8 at the end of a workout then that springy crush really taxes me too.

If you think that's bad though I tried one of my F911 bolts last night and MAN talk about springy. I almost thought it was going to break so I backed out and left it at about 90 degrees. I probably couldn've finished it anyway though.

Nice bending!

Tim

[EricMilfeld]

Man Justin, you're really progressing!

The easier batch of Bastards could be yours within a couple of weeks. No doubt.

[jaccord]

Great progress Justin. You'll definitely continue setting PRs. I agree that you'll get a Bastard very soon.

[Booyah!!!]

Excellent PRs Justin!!!

[Justin Reagan]

I felt so good the first time I bent the G8 and 1/4" square, I did decide to see what I could do with an f911 bolt. Nothing much happened. Can't really complain, though...

So, for most people, is it just a matter of practice with the G8 and 1/4" square before reaching the 5/16" round? I've read this in all the articles, etc., I've read, but I just want to see what other people's experiences are like.

I know that what is keeping the 1/4" square from being easier is the length. I've gotten used to bolts and nails--always 6" or less. 7" is a whole new ballgame. I may try a 6.5" or 6.75" next time.

Justin

[neilkaz]

Very nice progress, Justin and keep at it and 5/16" CRS will be your's soon. .. neilkaz ..

[Tim71]

Justin,

I'm fairly new to all this too comparitively speaking and the 7 inch was EXTREMELY awkward for me the first dozen attempts or so. I didn't feel like I could get any power whatsoever into the bar but I can tell you the steps I took. Mind you my advice is nowhere near the expert advice of some of these guys but my journey is so fresh in my mind that maybe it can help a little.

First, of course was the 7 inch by 1/4 inch CRS round which you can probably get. Then the 1/4 hex at 7 inches which again you can probably get so you may have to skip the first couple steps. The first way I challenged myself with the 5/16 by 7 inch round was to go to a steel supplier and get some Hot Rolled steel. Not the stuff at lowes or home depot since it's really more like cold-rolled but true A36 mild hot rolled steel, the kind that long bar benders use. For a 7 inch piece I believe Eric Calibrated it at 250 lbs so it gives you a good feel for it but it's not just overwhelming. Then my next step was some chinese made 70d nails I've got which calibrated at 295 lbs and were a pretty good bend. Then I had 2 pieces of steel that were my next goals because they bend in such different ways. First was the 9/32 drill rod which calibrated at 355 lbs but had a slightly easier crush than the next which is the zinc-plated steel works 5/16 steel. The zinc plated calibrated at 325 lbs BUT, it had a much tougher kink, however once you got it moving it was home free. The drill rod is a very very good piece in my opinion to see how close you are to the Red or bastard bar. From there the steel works or national CRS is a good bar then on to the bastard. I suspect the newer batch of bastards that John refered to will be tougher than the shiny ones but who knows.

I would start somewhere in the middle of that list as good as you're doing and then work my way up or down. The zinc-plated is very easy to find so that would be a good one but the A36 hot rolled to me is a very underestimated way to open the door to the whole 5/16 7 inch length game. The 5/16 hot-rolled from steelworks calibrated much much higher, almost to bastard levels I believe. I think 380 if I remember right which really it behaves more like cold-rolled.

If you have a fastenal nearby then the 9/32 drill rod really gives a good workout and will get you to the bastard in good measure. They usually have to order it though.

Tim

[Tim71]

Justin,

One more thing, don't feel bad about the F911 because man they are nasty. I've only tried one and I got it to about 90 degrees and then it was like hitting a brick wall. I wrapped it up alot because I figured it would pop and then I finished it braced just to see and man it's a springy beast. Really suprised me that it didn't break and do keep in mind that it calibrated at 535 lbs which was only for the first 30 degrees then it gets much tougher after that. I agree with Gazza that they're tougher than a red nail. I doubt that 1/4 inch steel gets any tougher than that. They're pricey things too.

Later,

Tim

[neilkaz]

Tim and guys, since there's several Fastenol's near me, I have a question about drill rod in hope of helping me to microload towards tougher stuff.

What is harder ? 1/4" CRS or 1/4" typical oil hardened drill rod ? http://www.fastenal.com/web/products/detail.ex?sku=47766

thx .. neilkaz ..

[Tim71]

In some sizes the cold rolled has calibrated higher than the same size drill rod but most everybody agrees that the drill rod in any given size feels noticably tougher than the cold-rolled steel. In 5/16 for instance the drill rod cal'd at 475 and has a pretty mean crush compared to cold-rolled steel which calibrateds at different levels but none have been that high. The first tough bastards hit 440 lbs on Eric's charts and some have been like 385 lbs or so. The drill rod ramps up to a mean crush too so it's a good training tool and stepping stone.

Later,

Tim

[neilkaz]

In some sizes the cold rolled has calibrated higher than the same size drill rod but most everybody agrees that the drill rod in any given size feels noticably tougher than the cold-rolled steel. In 5/16 for instance the drill rod cal'd at 475 and has a pretty mean crush compared to cold-rolled steel which calibrateds at different levels but none have been that high. The first tough bastards hit 440 lbs on Eric's charts and some have been like 385 lbs or so. The drill rod ramps up to a mean crush too so it's a good training tool and stepping stone.

Later,

Tim

Thx Tim,

Fastenal really seems to have a find selection of stuff to bend and drill rod is available in metric as well as many many US sizes.

They also have 1018 CRS, A36 HRS and other steel stock. Hopefully this is a bender's dream cometrue.

.. neilkaz ..

[Tim71]

I would not advise buying hot rolled from fastenal or cold-rolled for that matter. They sell it by the INCH at my local one. Terribly high for any kind of quanity. Much bette off to go to a steel supplier but it's a good place to get drill rod.

Tim

[Justin Reagan]

It turns out I have a fastenal about 6 miles from my house. Just never knew what was there. So is fastenal a place where you go in and look around, or go to a counter and tell them what you want? Just wondering...I may get me some 1/4" and 9/32" drill rod there pretty soon.

Also, has anyone ordered any 7"x5/16" spikes from mcmaster-carr? It's the only place I've ever seen them, so I ordered a few. We'll see if they send me Chinese made spikes or U.S. made spikes.

If anyone else has any more advice/comments, please don't hesitate to let me know. You guys have been helpful.

Thanks,

Justin

[gazza]

Justin

Keep up the good work bro and getting yourself the right selection of steel is the best thing you can ever do for your bending and ISOS.

[Justin Reagan]

Next time I get the chance, I'm going to cut myself some pieces of 3/8" or 1/2" for iso's. I have plenty of scrap from all my medium and long bar bending. I've actually reduced the time spent on all that (still doing it, though--almost bent a 10" galv. spike against my leg a few days ago), in order to get better at the short bending--both DO and DU.

BTW, gazza, it's nice to have you replying. It's good to see that the BEST doesn't have a problem talking with us little guys...

One thing I haven't mentioned, I have a friend who is addicted to the bending now. His first time bending with me, he couldn't get a G2 without using his leg to get it started. After bending 5 or 6 times, though, he's up to doing a 60d already. Mostly DU. Something I couldn't do until 6 or 8 months into it. I'm sure he has plenty of strength potential--he's been an ironworker for quite a few years.

Anyway, hopefully I'll get going in this thing a little better now. I've been pretty stressed at work for the past few weeks, so I haven't felt like lifting the KB's or bending the steel as much as I need to. Still stressed, but hopefully I'm getting a handle on things better now...but only with the help of God.

Thanks,

Justin

[gazza]

Next time I get the chance, I'm going to cut myself some pieces of 3/8" or 1/2" for iso's. I have plenty of scrap from all my medium and long bar bending. I've actually reduced the time spent on all that (still doing it, though--almost bent a 10" galv. spike against my leg a few days ago), in order to get better at the short bending--both DO and DU.

BTW, gazza, it's nice to have you replying. It's good to see that the BEST doesn't have a problem talking with us little guys...

Justin i always remember were i came from/started its a tough journey but within us all mate

One thing I haven't mentioned, I have a friend who is addicted to the bending now. His first time bending with me, he couldn't get a G2 without using his leg to get it started. After bending 5 or 6 times, though, he's up to doing a 60d already. Mostly DU. Something I couldn't do until 6 or 8 months into it. I'm sure he has plenty of strength potential--he's been an ironworker for quite a few years.

Anyway, hopefully I'll get going in this thing a little better now. I've been pretty stressed at work for the past few weeks, so I haven't felt like lifting the KB's or bending the steel as much as I need to. Still stressed, but hopefully I'm getting a handle on things better now...but only with the help of God.

Justin ANGER/stress can also be your friend bro use it to your advantage and never let the b*****s win

Thanks,

Justin