Jonathan Barlow Posted June 17, 2007 Posted June 17, 2007 What are most people's thoughts on it? I like it better than unbraced bending, because I can bend heavier metal and it is therefore more impressive to the average citizen. Also, I believe it is more practical, because there are no rules or boundaries involved, other than those set by the metal itself. Of course, unbraced bending has its place and requires strength in different areas, especially the wrists. Should a person almost always be able to bend more braced than unbraced? If so, how much more on average? Post up some of your best braced (and perhaps unbraced) bends if you don't mind. My best unbraced so far has been the zinc plated 60d from Home Depot. Tonight I tried 5/16 x 7" plate steel for the first time and I braced it. I put a small kink in it. Quote
David Horne Posted June 17, 2007 Posted June 17, 2007 I think with all the different styles of bends on offer (braced and unbraced), you can train most bodyparts except the legs. Just enjoy what ever ones you choose. Or train them all and come to the Champion of Steel comp. David Quote
Jonathan Barlow Posted June 17, 2007 Author Posted June 17, 2007 Thanks for the reply, and I agree. However, I would propose that it is also possible to include the adductors in a braced bend if the object is placed between the legs and the legs squeeze together (in conjuction with the hands.) And those are a set of muscles that seem to used too little, so perhaps it would be good to do some training that way. Quote
Jonathan Barlow Posted June 17, 2007 Author Posted June 17, 2007 I would love to attend the Champions of Steel competition if only to spectate. However chances are very slim that I will be in the UK at that time... Quote
Jonathan Barlow Posted June 17, 2007 Author Posted June 17, 2007 Wow I love your avatar! I just realized it is your intials spelled out in steel that you bent! Quote
wscorpion Posted June 17, 2007 Posted June 17, 2007 Wow I love your avatar! I just realized it is your intials spelled out in steel that you bent! Not really, that's Davids device for training reverse bending without needing steel. Take a look at his website for more info As for braced or unbraced, I like giving a try at both. Of course you can bend bigger steel braced, but you also need more length then with unbraced. I don't believe anyone will be able to bend a 5" bastard braced, while there are several people who've bent it unbraced. If you want to go for what other people think, bend braced. If you do it for yourself, then just bend whichever way you like. I just started braced bending about a week ago, and I do like it quite a lot Quote Mark Vogels -------------------- "Whether you think you can or you can't, you're right."
David Horne Posted June 17, 2007 Posted June 17, 2007 Yes it's the Reverse Bending Mch for your wrists. All the styles give different challenges. This is a good thing. Have fun, David Quote
Tim71 Posted June 17, 2007 Posted June 17, 2007 Johnathan, I pretty well think of it the same way as you do. For me I love the "feat of strength" aspect of it so I do like the braced bending. Like you said and I've said before, to the average onlooker they don't care how you bend it as long as you bend it. One of the feats that blew me away when I was just a spectator was bending an adjustable wrench. So to use a bad rythme "I want to be what I wanted to see". I like the long 3 and 4 foot bars and that's what I got started one. I did discover the unbraced bending and at first I really though what's with all these rules but in a short time I really enjoyed it quite a bit too and still love it. Alot of people can bend short stuff DO style particularly that they can't bend braced. I was that way for a while. Now I guess I pretty well go with the "rules" or guidelines that if a piece is 7 inches or under your sorta expected to do it unbraced unless you're scrolling or doing an odd-object. 8 inches or above bracing is allowed and the way to go. I'm fine with that one. My best unbraced bend is still probably the 5/16 O-1 drill rod at 7 inches. I can probably do better now since I've given it a rest. My best braced bend is kinda hard to say since they're all different and tough in different ways. I guess my most notible braced bending achievements are: 1/2 inch round HRS by 10 inches long - this is probably the toughest bend I've ever done Lifetime guaranteed 12 inch adjustable wrench - not real far behind the above 3/4 inch by 7/8 inch craftsman open end - I'd never heard of anyone doing this one before I did it. Scrolled 100d nail - hard in it's own way FBBC 80d nail - first to certify and a very tough spike. Will really test you. I've also had a particular brand of 10 inch adjustable that was very very tough. Pry-bars, flat steel, frying pans are all good to do and a challenge and really get a wow factor from people. Have you tried any of the bigger and longer steel Johnathan? If you stay with this you'll definately want to go to a steel supplier and get some real hot rolled steel. It's ton's cheaper with alot more variety. Tim Have fun with it and learn things that you can put on a show with. I almost have like a bid kid mentallity about it by wanting to be something that I would've enjoyed seeing as a kid. The frying pans really impress people to if you get a chance to do one of those. Quote
Jonathan Barlow Posted June 22, 2007 Author Posted June 22, 2007 Wow I love your avatar! I just realized it is your intials spelled out in steel that you bent! Not really, that's Davids device for training reverse bending without needing steel. Poo, well can you see what I see? It's quite a coincidence! Great replies all. Tim, I have only bent 60d nails and various steel rod, including IM nails. The only long steel I have bent is rebar if I happened across it at a construction site. So I haven't done much and it seems there is much more out there to bend! Quote
vikingsrule92 Posted June 22, 2007 Posted June 22, 2007 Wow I love your avatar! I just realized it is your intials spelled out in steel that you bent! Not really, that's Davids device for training reverse bending without needing steel. Poo, well can you see what I see? It's quite a coincidence! Great replies all. Tim, I have only bent 60d nails and various steel rod, including IM nails. The only long steel I have bent is rebar if I happened across it at a construction site. So I haven't done much and it seems there is much more out there to bend! I can see what you see but that's not what it is. Oh and there's always bigger and badder steel to bend Quote
Tim71 Posted June 22, 2007 Posted June 22, 2007 Johnathan, You should definately pick up some Hot rolled steel from a steel supplier for braced bending. Rebar is very springy to bend which I'm sure you've found out. Plus will save you a ton of money. Hot rolled steel really bends good at the longer lengths and even the spike lengths. Spikes are fun too. Did you bend #4 rebar? That's the only size I've ever tried but I wouldn't mind trying #5 just for grins. Later, Tim Quote
Jonathan Barlow Posted June 22, 2007 Author Posted June 22, 2007 Sounds great. I have a metal yard near me, so I'll see what they have lying around. I don't know what I have for steel suppliers near me. I have a truck and don't mind driving a bit to get some goodies. I'm in RI. Honestly I have no idea which rebar it was... Just the usual stuff they have at construction sites! Shamefully I can't even remember the dimensions. This was a while ago when I was in HS. I just saw it there and had to bend it Quote
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