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Preferred Method/Tool For Bending 4130 Sheet Ribs

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jonfilipa

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Jun 7, 2009
Messages
51
Anyone have any preferred techniques and/or tools for bending the 4130 sheet metal ribs for the stabs, fin, rudder, elevator? I'd be willing to buy a (cheap) bending brake, but am concerned that given the tight space between bends on these ribs the part literally wouldn't fit once you got to the 2nd bend..

Jon
 
Jon,

I started the bends on a small brake, then finished the bends on an oak form with a hammer and oak block.
 
I bent mine with a borrowed 18" (or maybe 20" as I recall) brake, many years ago. I understand the issue of the bends being close together. You can bend the first flange by clamping the main "body" of the rib, but to bend the second one you will have to clamp the flange part, then bend the main "body" up. Make practice bends on scrap to get the correct gaps, setbacks, positioning.
041203_Stabilizer_Rib Bending.JPG
 
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