 bending metal
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
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I have an extra set of tank badges. I need to flatten them a bit fit the surface I wish to mount them to.
how can I flatten them with out cracking them.
I need to get them nearly flat.
thanks for any help.
Pete
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 Re: bending metal
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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pete i belive they are cast???? not sure with out looking but if heat they up before you try it i belive you be ok but don't do it with them cold...
BIKER
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 Re: bending metal
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
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I was planning to heat them .
and cast on the back is "ZINC"
not sure if that means they are solid zinc on not ?
thanks.
Pete
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 Re: bending metal
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877 |
Could just mean zinc coated. Definitely cast! Be carefull, go slow!! Have you considered making a curved filler backing to adapt to a flat surface?
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
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 Re: bending metal
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Joined: Sep 2005
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Freelance Jedi Knight
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Freelance Jedi Knight
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 Re: bending metal
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Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
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I believe they are not only cast, but cast aluminum. I believe they will crack.
My beliefs have been dashed before.... so let us know how you make out.
More flags
More fun!
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 Re: bending metal
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 321
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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put them on a table and hit the high center with a rubber mallet, gently!
There is no greater thrill than being shot at with no consequence. -Churchill
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 Re: bending metal
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,182 Likes: 2
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
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well, with a little heat from a propane torch and a small rubber hammer I did it. I got the tank badges nearly flat and they fit nicely.
Pete
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 Re: bending metal
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Joined: Mar 2005
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Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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Posts: 2,047 |
awesome way to go pete! What are you mounting them too that they need to be flat?
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 Re: bending metal
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877 |
I bet his reply will be "a project".
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
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 Re: bending metal
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3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
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Yeah, you'll probably have to wait until GA to see it unveiled.
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 Re: bending metal
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Quote:
well, with a little heat from a propane torch and a small rubber hammer I did it. I got the tank badges nearly flat and they fit nicely.
Way to go, thanks for being the first to try it!!  I'm going to have to go and do the same to my old badges now! 
TBA, Stainless extractors / drag pipes, 65mm over forward controls, Thruxton needles, 904cc, head ported, lowered 1-inch, Console removed, relocated battery box, Australia.
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 Re: bending metal
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,182 Likes: 2
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
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Pete
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 Re: bending metal
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Learned Hand
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OP
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 they are going on the saddle bags , which will be repainted to match the tank properly. Not sure which tank yet 
Pete
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 Re: bending metal
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Joined: Mar 2005
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Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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pete you are like a Dr. of our bikes always trying to find the next amazing thing. I think from now on we should call you dr. pete or dr. sneke 
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 Re: bending metal
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I tried it out, heat from a propane torch and then clamp it between 2x peices of wood in the bench vice... flat as a tack! looks great!  Thanks go to Pete also! 
TBA, Stainless extractors / drag pipes, 65mm over forward controls, Thruxton needles, 904cc, head ported, lowered 1-inch, Console removed, relocated battery box, Australia.
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 Re: bending metal
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Joined: Sep 2006
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Watch out! they may curl like a potato chip in the rain! t-hee
I never wanted to lead, and I never wanted to follow.
I just wanted to ride.
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 Re: bending metal
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Big Bore
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Big Bore
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Posts: 9,223 |
Pete, Chris, was there any problem with the letters? I assume what's in there is powdercoat?
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
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 Re: bending metal
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,182 Likes: 2
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
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I did not have any problems, with the black in the letters or discoloring or cracking of the chrome.
but I did not heat it to the point of blueing( sp? ). just enough heat to help it flatten.
Pete
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 Re: bending metal
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Joined: Sep 2005
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The best heat control for this type of job is probably an oven. I'd start with less than 200 degrees though.
"Eric Von Zipper will return!"
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 Re: bending metal
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Quote:
Pete, Chris, was there any problem with the letters? I assume what's in there is powdercoat?
No problem at all with the letters, all the chrome and black lettering still look like new!
I only heated it very slightly, probably about 30 seconds with the propane torch.
TBA, Stainless extractors / drag pipes, 65mm over forward controls, Thruxton needles, 904cc, head ported, lowered 1-inch, Console removed, relocated battery box, Australia.
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 Re: bending metal
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Joined: Sep 2006
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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They're die-cast from zinc. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zinc#AlloysSame material they use to make toy cars.Over here,people who don't know about the periodic table call it monkey metal
"You just kinda wasted my precious time..."
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 Re: bending metal
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 130
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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From 100 °C to 210 °C zinc metal is malleable and can easily be beaten into various shapes. Above 210 °C, the metal becomes brittle and will be pulverized by beating.
Thats the relevant bit.
"You just kinda wasted my precious time..."
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 Re: bending metal
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Just be careful around those zinc fumes. Very, very dangerous.
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