How much pressure is required to crush 1/2" square tubing

[RetsaM]

Hello,

I try to duplicate the neigherbour fence.
He has 1/2" square tubing decorative door.
and the top is finish like an arrow heads.

It look to be crush and grind.

With what kind of tool do I need to replicate that?
If it is a press, how much pressure is required to crush 1/2" square tubing?

http://www.fenceall.com/iron/wtradit...ristocrat.html

Thanks all,

P.S. I forgot to mention I have already bought square tubing 1/2" 16GA (0.065)

Jonathan

[84ZMike]

Start it with a hammer then finish it in a vise to get a uniformed end...
Mike

[RetsaM]

I did not try the hammer yet.
but I try in the vise and now it wont screw smootly anymore...

And if I hit it with a hammer did it will flattened on one side and not in the middle of the tubing?

Like this:
|\
| \
|--------

instead of
|\
| --------
|/

[Hotfoot]

I know my little 12 ton press would do it, but have you tried a large vise with a 'cheater bar' for leverage? if you had a forge, it would be an easy "heat and bet" to flatten it. A welding torch could also heat them up, then crush them in the vise, or hammer them flat on an anvil. Using a torch would go much better with an assistant to "catch' the torch from you as you went to squeeze or hammer.

[84ZMike]

Lay the edge on a piece of 1/4" plate so it will bend in the center....do you have a torch?....

[84ZMike]

You could try this...
http://www.kingmetals.com/Default.as...ickets*20296@@

[RetsaM]

I just have a propane torch and it is not enough.
Can a MAPP torch work for that ?

I have some 1/4 plate with a big hammer. I will try that.

Thanks,

[Broccoli1]

Mapp torch will work-

I've done 1"x1" 16 g no problem getting to Cherry Red. Works out nicely as I have the Mapp torch on the Table and just put the piece in the Flame, pull it out and then on to the Anvil.

Turn down the lights or in a dark corner so you can see the metal get red.

[RetsaM]

Thanks Broccolli,

I will need to get an anvil and a MAPP torch and I will let you know how is it.

[whateg0]

That tubing should be pretty easy to flatten. Try flipping it between hits. Strike one side and then flip it over. Also keep just the part that needs to be flattened on the surface. I doubt you'll really need any heat for this.

Dave

[boykjo]

A good 6 inch wilton will do the trick....................

[RetsaM]

I have try with my vise without heat, did not work and worst is now it is very hard to screw and unscrew the vise.

[whateg0]

Not to be mean, but that must be a pretty 'inexpensive' vise if that was all it took to damage it. How many of these do you need to make? If you have a buddy with a hyd. press, maybe you could use it. Another thing that might help is if you had a way to help spread the sides of the tubing to help it flatten. Like a wedge or something you could drive into the end to get it started. Really, though, there is no reason a hammer and an anvil, or even a piece of angle or plate clamped in your vise, wouldn't do the job.

Dave

[whateg0]

BTW, how thick is this tubing? I can't imagine it being any thicker than 16ga if it's for decorative purposes.

Dave

[RetsaM]

Hello whatego,

I am doing that a hobby,
and yes my vise is not the best. but it was working good enough for my other use.

The thinkness of that 1/2 square tubing is 0.065 mills. and I did not try to hammer it down yet

I always wanted to upgrade my propane torch to a MAPP torc ... so it is a good time and the wife will not complaint too much...

so this weekend (that only time I have) I will try heat up the tubing and hammer it ...

I will post all pictures I will take

I need to made 9 of these from 6 inches square tubing 1/2" 16Gauge 0.065Mills.

Thanks for all your help that forum it is soo ressource full