Sheet metal help - Need angled flange tool? Options

[3d914]

Working on the support frame for my trunk lid so it opens from the back instead of the front. I'm planning on using 14ga steel, but may need to go to 16ga if I can't find a tool for this. Preferably I'd like an angled, not flat, flange. Most the hand or pneumatic tools out there only do a flat flange for like an overlap weld joint. Anyone seen or used a hand (pneumatic) tool with something other than a flat flange?

Here's the drawing for the support frame (in orange). They'll plasma cut the pieces for me, so I need to find a method to flange these cutouts that lighten the piece, to add the strength back in.



If I can't find a hand tool for this, I'll need to go with a press and some hole flange tools - but those I can add without having these shapes pre-cut.

[rick 918-S]

I think I used Plywood as a buck for this panel. It's been awhile since I made it. I recall cutting out the shape of the high profile and using a broad masons chisel to hammer the low profile into the part. I recall making a sandwich fixture to hold the high line flat. As you can see the part is actually deeper on the long taper then the short taper.

BTW: You would be light years ahead if you sourced a tilt mechanism from a BMW 2002. Someone else on the form used one once and it worked out pretty slick.

[3d914]

I think I used Plywood as a buck for this panel. It's been awhile since I made it. I recall cutting out the shape of the high profile and using a broad masons chisel to hammer the low profile into the part. I recall making a sandwich fixture to hold the high line flat. As you can see the part is actually deeper on the long taper then the short taper.

BTW: You would be light years ahead if you sourced a tilt mechanism from a BMW 2002. Someone else on the form used one once and it worked out pretty slick.

Rick, what gauge sheet was that? I think I may just go to 16ga and do it manually as you've done and others suggest. Another option with 16ga is to buy a 1-1/2 circular flange die to use.

Very nice work by the way.

[rick 918-S]

I think I used Plywood as a buck for this panel. It's been awhile since I made it. I recall cutting out the shape of the high profile and using a broad masons chisel to hammer the low profile into the part. I recall making a sandwich fixture to hold the high line flat. As you can see the part is actually deeper on the long taper then the short taper.

BTW: You would be light years ahead if you sourced a tilt mechanism from a BMW 2002. Someone else on the form used one once and it worked out pretty slick.

Rick, what gauge sheet was that? I think I may just go to 16ga and do it manually as you've done and others suggest. Another option with 16ga is to buy a 1-1/2 circular flange die to use.

Very nice work by the way.

If you flange the edges you should be able to go with 18 Ga. A small piece gets incredibly strong when you flange it that way. If you end up deciding on 16 Ga. You will want to aneal it. Here is an example of the process.

Blow raw acetylene on both sides. Thinner metal only one side is necessary. Light a neutral flame, wave it over the panel until the acetylene vanishes. The expands the molecules making the part softer and easier to work.



This was a butt welded seam that was metal finished.