Braced Bending

[yohechris]

I just recently got into doing some different braced bends and man is it fun. I had been enjoying unbraced but wanted something a little different. Today

I tried my first 1/2" bend and tried 20" which was not too bad. The kink was pretty easy but the middle part took a while to figure out and the crush wasn't bad. Took about 4 minutes. I am going to cut down and see if I can get 19 or even 18 and submit to the David Horne list. Do you need to caliper things that don't need videos? I also did 5/8 X 32 that I found in the scrap bin at the steel store. It was pretty tough for me but I got it but it took over 5 minutes but less than ten. I wasted a lot of time figuring out which techniques work when but I think I kind of know now what works for me and what doesn't. I'd like to do 30X 5/8 in under 5 minutes soon. I also did a long 52" peice of 5/8 square form the scrap bin. I couldn't kink it over the thigh but got it kinked under the leg and then it was easy to finish off. Tried to fish it but could not get it past parallel at all. I'm terrible at spike length bends. I got some 12" FBBC spikes which I can kink easily but cant get any movement after the kink. I suck at the thing where you crush down with it braced on your thigh.

Anyway, the braced stuff is a lot of fun and what I'm focused on most now. I also did some other braced stuff and a little 3/8 sq X 7' scroll and it is all fun. At some point I will post pics in my gallery.

I also have to thank everyone who posts videos and tips on here because it really helps a lot.

[Tim71]

Hi and welcome to the braced addiction. Your 1/2 inch by 20 inch will be good right now for David's list. 12.7 and over requires proof and calipers for the spike. The 5/8 window requires proof and calipers for mid bar and 3/4 for long bar.

Later and great job!

Tim