The Other Direction For Do Bending

[bencrush]

We're always trying to work towards bending the shortest possible stock. Ever try the opposite? Working towards bending the longest possible bend of each type and diameter of steel?

Was talking to John and Aaron today and ended up trying a Bastard. Didn't get more than a few degrees before I quit due to shoulder pain. So I tried going shorter than 7" and that didn't work either without shoulder pain. Neither was much surprise. I'm positive I could have finished either of them since they're only Bastards but the chance of actually popping the shoulder out was too great so I quit.

I then tried a very uncommonsensical move and cut some 1/4" CRS to 9" to try that length. Felt okay, but it was super easy steel of course. Then went to 1/4" Square from Fastenal and again that went quickly. Then a 5/16" piece at 9" went okay but even the crushdown tested my shoulder a bit. The kink wasn't too hard on the shoulder and that goes against all of my previously held beliefs.

In fact one of the reasons I'm posting this is because it might very well lead to some retired and injured benders being able to bend again. It does NOT make any sense that I can figure out. Take my advice at your own risk on this one.

I also did a 9" piece of 5/16" Stainless (303) under 2 minutes.

More rest and a lot more shoulder stretching and I bent an 11/32"X9" Drill Rod to 1 and 7/8" in 86 seconds. One pair of leather pads was used because of the length of the bends, I forgot to mention that at the beginning. Less padding is definitely a plus on these longer ones.

Got on webcam again with John and Aaron a bit ago and demolished an 11/32"X9.5" Drill Rod in 67 seconds to 1 and 5/8". The crushdown is what's killing my shoulder on the longer stuff. I was even able to get the steel up tight under my chin still. Kind of sad that the crushdown on a piece that I once bent around 6.5" is hurting me now.

I'd love to get something started with the longer unbraced bending if anyone's interested. Maybe some friendly competition if my shoulder holds up well with it? I don't hold any illusions of being the strongest at any type of bending, just like the competition for friendly competition's sake, that's all.

I'll start up a Challenge Log in the bending section if enough people are interested in this. The longer the bend at a set strength of steel, the higher the "rating" it would get you in this challenge log. And 8" could be the "starting point" for the bends on this ongoing challenge. 10" will probably be near the upper limits for most on anything at the 5/16" CRS and above level though.

At 9" some guys will be able to do 3/8" HRS. 9.5" is tough to kink but I'm sure there are some that will bend big stuff in that length too.

Plus it might just inject some new strength and better flexbility and strength through a new range of motion in most benders.

I know there's a good bit of guys who are bending 7.5" lengths already. It's not that much of a leap to bend 9" stock. Even 8" would help most feel comfortable with the 7" stock.

Last thing I'll say is that today is the first time since my Grand Shiny Bastard that I've bent DO. And now, after the workout is all done and I'm just typing this out, the pain is not staying with me in my shoulders! That's an awesome feeling. The 7" and under stuff is off limits for me. But apparently the door to the 8" and longer stuff is now wide open. It won't help me at the contest (because the crushdown hurts the shoulder) but who cares. I am up for a different challenge.

Who else is up for the challenge?

[wscorpion]

Well I'm already bending 8" stuff for 3/8" HRS. I can't get the 7" version yet, so I started with the 8" which I had a hard time kinking unbraced.

For the braced bends on David's list, I've bent the 8" 3/8" HRS by kinking it over my knee and finishing it unbraced.

Personally I feel it can be helpful, but I'm actually too small to be able to bend a lot on that length unbraced. I really have to press my shoulders all the way back, my wrists are not in line with my under arms anymore, and my shoulders hurt.

Nevertheless I'm positive it's very helpful for the 7" stuff

So count me in, I'm always up for a challenge

[bencrush]

Sounds good Mark. I'll get it set up sometime this week. Video is always good.

[wscorpion]

Sounds good Mark. I'll get it set up sometime this week. Video is always good.

No problem, I finally have a videocamera now

[gazza]

Ben

Like yourself to help DO flexibility i was bending stock and doing isos with 7.5-8"stock mostly 8inch for me so i feel the 8inch stuff would not be a problem but 9inch and above obviously depends on the steel used i am up for any challenges in the future only limited by the wrist but i will work around that.

Hope the shoulder heals as i now how frustrating it is to not be able to enjoy something you love fully and to struggle crushing stuff that was once so casual keep positive and just work around the crush for now.

[wscorpion]

Ben

Like yourself to help DO flexibility i was bending stock and doing isos with 7.5-8"stock mostly 8inch for me so i feel the 8inch stuff would not be a problem but 9inch and above obviously depends on the steel used i am up for any challenges in the future only limited by the wrist but i will work around that.

Hope the shoulder heals as i now how frustrating it is to not be able to enjoy something you love fully and to struggle crushing stuff that was once so casual keep positive and just work around the crush for now.

If you are going to compete, then I give up in advance

just kidding

Hopefully you will be able to bend to your full strength soon mate

Edited July 7, 2007 by White Scorpion

[liam.mccaffrey]

i like this

i did a 10"x8mm CRS tonight DO, i think i might be able to do a 10.25" and maybe a 10.5"

i also put a slight bow in a 10mm HRS x 9.5" will have to work on that

[wscorpion]

i like this

i did a 10"x8mm CRS tonight DO, i think i might be able to do a 10.25" and maybe a 10.5"

i also put a slight bow in a 10mm HRS x 9.5" will have to work on that

We want videos !

But, nice work anyway

[liam.mccaffrey]

no worries mate

vids tomorrow

i like this

i did a 10"x8mm CRS tonight DO, i think i might be able to do a 10.25" and maybe a 10.5"

i also put a slight bow in a 10mm HRS x 9.5" will have to work on that

We want videos !

But, nice work anyway

[bencrush]

Very nice bending Liam!