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Tool Talk Discussion Forum

working with alum

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730-LP

03-08-2005 19:27:15




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I am going to build a set of front weight brackets for a puller.I have a piece of kaiser 6061-T6511 alum.Can I heat and bend it 90 degrees or will I need to cut it and have it welded? thanks




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Bob - MI

03-09-2005 05:20:08




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 Re: working with alum in reply to 730-LP, 03-08-2005 19:27:15  
Others have said it well, this is not a good approach with this material. The 6061-T65 is good stock for plate applications that require something to be machined out of it. All aluminum alloys are difficult to bend and require special processing. Heating it to a plastic state (~800 deg. F) alters the microstructure and embrittles the material without post-fabrication heat treatment.



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Ron in Nebr

03-08-2005 23:02:37




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 Re: working with alum in reply to 730-LP, 03-08-2005 19:27:15  
Just a question here- the usual purpose for using aluminum to build something, especially on any kind of competition machine, is to save weight. Why would you want to save weight on a weight bracket? If it's so you can quickly pull the weights off and run in a lower weight class, some kind of quick-attach system could probably be developed for the bracket itself that would be much more durable.

Aluminum work-hardens much quicker than steel so even if you got one built I'd think it's life span would be substantially less than steel.

I realize this doesn't answer your question, and if you're gonna use aluminum anyway, I'd say cutting and welding the angles would be much better than than bending them.

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big fred

03-08-2005 19:41:37




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 Re: working with alum in reply to 730-LP, 03-08-2005 19:27:15  
With 6061 you will need an extraordinarily large bend radius to keep it from cracking. Any heating you do will destroy the heat treat also, so at best you'll end up with 6061-W once you bend it. Your best bet is steel for a weight bracket anyway. The dissimilar metals corrosion with aluminum against steel (or cast iron) will just give you headaches down the road, especially if you also plan to use the tractor on the farm.

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dr.sportster

03-08-2005 19:33:55




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 Re: working with alum in reply to 730-LP, 03-08-2005 19:27:15  
Can you do it in aluminum angle instead?I think if you do get away with the bend it will be so stressed it may break.I know with steel you must either heat it good or bend room temp. not half heated.Useless answer ,I dont know,I would use angle.



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dr.sportster

03-08-2005 19:53:57




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 Re: working with alum in reply to dr.sportster, 03-08-2005 19:33:55  
Perhaps we could make a trade.If interested tell me what size you would like in steel.I dont care what size your alum. is Ill still trade.Ill chopsaw them from angle iron.



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