Making a Radius Bending Fixture for Sheetmetal

Ron Covell shows how easy it is to build a radius bending attachment that mounts to a workbench.
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[@vociferonheraldofthewinter2284]

THIS. This is what I needed to enter metal working. Simple, affordable, and adaptable. Up until this moment I've been limited in my projects to flat, square metal sheets. To my great frustration, sometimes you just need curves. And here it is. Thank you so much.

[@RonCovell]

Glad I could help! I have nearly 100 videos on KZbin. Perhaps there are some other ideas you can use!

[@monadking2761]

You always make metal forming look easy. Nice as usual Ron.

[@RonCovell]

Thanks 👍

[@J1I9M7M4Y]

This is the kind of diy i love. So simple, so cheap and such a good end result! Thank you for the video!!

[@RonCovell]

Glad you liked it!

[@FTGMotorsports]

Thanks Ron, you always take a simple approach toward difficult problems - I have struggled with radius bends for years

[@RonCovell]

Glad you liked it!

[@teamdrama6251]

As always I learn something new every time i watch a covell video. You sir are a true metal craftsman. Thank you for your knowledge.

[@RonCovell]

Tsr Racing - I'm glad you are learning more things, and there will be more videos to come!

[@ZeroaxeSA]

This is amazing. I have watched quite a few of your videos. This one is so simple and yet so effective! Thank you so much for sharing your wealth of knowledge in metal shaping so freely!

[@RonCovell]

You are so welcome!

[@mickholgate3347]

Thanks for sharing Ron, fantastic idea! Such a simple design, yet so versatile, hence why you're the best!

[@RonCovell]

Mick Holgate - Thanks so much for your kind comment!

[@brianplumleigh2443]

Excellent and simple. Very Ron Covell. You've had this bending fixture in your shop forever; longer than I've known you. I've done a lot of bending with just the tubing fixture clamped to the table for tanks and motorcycle tank tunnels, etc but always fudged it a bit. I think I need one of these! I think the radius edge tanks is the neatest thing I picked up from watching you (and Steve Davis). Keep digging in your tool box for these gems, please!

[@RonCovell]

Brian - Thanks so much for the kind words!

[@cherylmartin4050]

Cool. Thank you for showing a non tooled shop version. I've been watch Trev's Blog for a while. He hooked up to yours. I've very excited on trying the things I see on his and your channel's. My Jeep Wrangler can use some TLC. It has been a life long chase if you will to build stuff for cars/trucks. Now I feel it's time to get my hands dirty!

[@RonCovell]

Thanks for your comment, and good luck with your Jeep project!

[@billville111]

Thank you for putting the background music in the background Ron

[@vanderhoof5701]

Excellent Ron, Thankyou! Simple and easy to build. You just gave me an idea for a brake that's similar but the axles of the bending leaf are on the centre line of the round tube and adjustable for use with interchangeable tubes for different radiuses, more complex than yours, but one could do a 180 deg. radius in one bend if needed. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge with us 👍

[@RonCovell]

Van Der Hoof - Yes, sometimes you need to make bends up to 180-degrees, and my simple design isn't good for much more than 90-degrees.

[@dietmarfink8233]

Hi Van Der Hoof, would it be possible, to show, how you built this type of bending brake? I'm always interested, to see other peoples solutions on tools. Thank you

[@adamm2716]

Ron that's that cleanest table-top break design i've ever seen, great video keep up the hard work!!

[@RonCovell]

Adam M - I'm very glad you liked it! More videos on the way.

[@HotRodHippie]

Great setup Ron. I've got a similar (albeit more complicated) design that I've never gotten around to finishing building. Inspiring me to finish it up. 👍

[@RonCovell]

Thanks so much, Alan! I'll be eager to see your design when you get it operational.

[@troyfabrication]

Thanks for posting!

[@mickholgate3347]

You are the best in the business Ron, have been following your work for years.

[@RonCovell]

Awesome, thank you!

[@dieselrotor]

I love the looks gotten mid project when the customer/friend looks at how scabby or ugly looking something is as I'm making it, but it turns into a smile as they start to see where it's going and understand why I did some of the things I did early on with some bends etc. Good info as always Ron.

[@RonCovell]

Dieselrotor - I know what you mean, not many people can 'catch on' to your thought process early in the project.

[@guyschofield3965]

Great video Ron, really beautifully explained and demonstrated.

[@RonCovell]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@jonbozzy9600]

I’m a old tony watcher and now I’m a Ron Corell. Love your videos!

[@RonCovell]

Thanks so much - more content on the way!

[@gregstanley1075]

Very nicely done. Just a bit of metal and some welding with my everlast welder. I love these kinds of projects.

[@RonCovell]

Great!

[@TheHorsebox2]

Solid gold, friend. I need this for a project. Will make tomorrow. Thank you.

[@RonCovell]

Very cool - I trust it will work as well for you as it has for me!

[@tombuildsthings]

Thanks for sharing. Always nice seeing what can be done with simple tools and a little bit of clever 😁

[@RonCovell]

Tom Hanley - I'm very glad you enjoyed this video. More to come!

[@goatie1822]

A very clever artisan using simple tools; thank you Ron

[@RonCovell]

Glad you are enjoying my videos.

[@iansmith7929]

Excellent Video Ron. Short, concise, and very informative. Thank you.

[@RonCovell]

Glad you liked it! Lots more videos on the way.

[@MadPilotOnBike]

The simplicity of your approach is brilliant new sub.

[@RonCovell]

Awesome, thank you!

[@Gkuljian]

I love quick and dirty solutions that get the job done without costing an arm and a leg. Thanks!

[@RonCovell]

G Kuljian - Yes, quick and dirty is often good!

[@WareumTsausageu]

Just BEAUTIFUL! Very simple... and works nicely 👍👍👍

[@RonCovell]

Sometimes simple is good!

[@WestBerlinCustoms]

It's great to see the simple things working that perfect. Now I have to cut and weld a little bit. 😁 Thanks a lot Ron, see you at SEMA!

[@RonCovell]

West-Berlin-Customs - I'll be 'hanging-out' in the Trick Tools booth again!

[@WestBerlinCustoms]

Ron Covell Awesome, it will be great to meet you again - I will stop by at the booth to say hello! I can't wait to be in LA and Las Vegas again. 👋😃👍 Cheers, TOBi

[@philortega6516]

@@RonCovell,see you at sema,Ron! What days and time will you be there?

[@RonCovell]

Phil Ortega - I will be demonstrating in the Trick Tools (Booth #20027) on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 11 AM and 2 PM. Come by and say 'Hi'!

[@SuperiorEtchworx]

The first time I used this method was to make a cowl for a steam traction engine at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney in 1988. I had your books and was learning metal forming when the issue of the cowl came up. I was just a lab tech but I piped up that I did a bit of metal forming in my spare time and was awarded the task. It came out well and I got promoted to workshop duties as well as lab duties. Thanks Ron

[@RonCovell]

Sounds like you're a clever worker!

[@SuperiorEtchworx]

@@RonCovell I like making things,thats all. Im 53 and have been a maker for 43 of those years

[@wrightrestorations.5190]

Brilliant!! Thanks for that. In the future I'm going to make some repair panels for some rusty rockers. This should work great!

[@RonCovell]

I'm glad this video will prove useful for you!

[@IncogNito-xx7to]

I LOVED this video and your creations! Thank you for sharing! I only just found your channel. Will be watching more of your work.

[@RonCovell]

I have close to 100 videos, so you would probably enjoy some of the other ones, too!

[@IncogNito-xx7to]

@@RonCovell 100 MORE! That’s Great! 👍⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@tonyd1149]

Thank you so much, Mr. Covell. Excellent work. Thank you for making & posting this video. God Bless you.

[@RonCovell]

You are very welcome!

[@Mdkayakangler]

Thank you for sharing this will work perfectly for my transmission pan build

[@RonCovell]

Great!

[@carmelogiordano8287]

Exelente Maestro!!!! Saludos desde Cordoba Argentina.

[@jdwisdom9433]

This video is gonna save me a lot of money! Don't need to build a "slip roller" now. Thank You!

[@RonCovell]

Glad it helped!

[@robdawrench]

Excellent idea, and gives me a brilliant idea for a new tool I wanted to build. Thanks Ron, hope you are keeping well in these weird old times....Rob from England (Fh Ellis courses)

[@RonCovell]

Cool, thanks! Good luck with your new tool idea, and send me a picture or video if you like!

[@tjmarshall8129]

Simple, and perfectly effective! Thanks for sharing Ron!!

[@RonCovell]

tj marshall - I'm so glad you enjoyed this video. Keep an eye out for more in the near future.

[@rajendranardekar1090]

Dear Ron, thanks for the simple but effective solution for achieving rounded bends. Great idea...

[@RonCovell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@leonardochiruzzi7642]

Fantastic, for my little lab is perfect. Thanks for suggestion Ron

[@RonCovell]

Leonardo Chiruzzi - Yes, this idea is perfect for small working spaces, since it can be quickly removed from the tabletop when not in use.

[@saminsiddiquee2059]

Thanks for the great video. You are a knowledgeable, yet humble man.

[@RonCovell]

Thank you very much!

[@fulblod]

About as simple as it gets! Thanks Ron!

[@RonCovell]

Right on!

[@CanalSHAWBE]

Sensacional , já fiz muito dessa técnica por aqui 👍

[@tigerseye73]

Thanks Ron. Ingenius method and well explained.

[@RonCovell]

Robert Beck - I'm very glad that you enjoyed the video, and took the time to comment!

[@paulmorrey733]

Thanks Ron - another project on my list

[@RonCovell]

Go for it!

[@jameslezak7882]

Excellent video! I usually shy away from thin metal working lack of of sheetmetal tools, especially the bending. Now I won't! I wish I'd seen this vid when it came out. I just subscribed a few days ago! With the snip tutorials and this diy build, I'm off and running! I have a bunch of back tracking to do on your videos. Thank you so much for passing on these methods and your experience. I will be back tracking on a bunch of projects that I passed over as too tedious. Maybe I can salvage some of the materials from failed attempts! Big thumbs up and thanks!

[@RonCovell]

Welcome to my channel, and I wish you the best of luck on your projects!

[@jameslezak7882]

Thanks Ron!

[@michaelleblanc3210]

I hope so. Have to look at the new floor braces and match the bend to a pipe and It's off to the races. Can't wait. Just have to make the brake long enough for a inner rocker which is about 6ft.

[@rockymontana1]

Thanks Ron for that info,it is worth money just learning what you showed .That's one reason why I subscribed.

[@RonCovell]

rockymontana1 - Thank you SO MUCH for subscribing, and I'm glad you enjoy my videos. I promise there will be more on the way.

[@charlesgalea69]

Awesome video thanks from Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺

[@RonCovell]

Thanks for watching, and for commenting, mate!

[@stephenandloriyoung5716]

Now THAT is slick! Thanks for sharing what the big brain puts out.

[@RonCovell]

Stephen and Lori Young - I'm delighted that you liked it!

[@johngunn7087]

Excellent content- as usual !! Thanks, Ron.

[@RonCovell]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@cri8tor]

Awesome tip and something I was looking for. Cheers brother

[@RonCovell]

I'm delighted this is something you like!

[@JCMakerspace]

Excellent idea Ron, thanks for sharing.

[@RonCovell]

Glad you liked it!

[@gautammeghani1282]

Hello

[@speedydry]

Scooter R

[@G31mR]

My son just sent one of your videos to me, I'm now going through them one by one! I've been a fabricator for nearly fifty years and am learning something from every vid. Thank you!

[@RonCovell]

That is awesome!

[@marcijunebug]

Thanks for sharing! Just discovered the channel and subbed👍

[@RonCovell]

I'm glad you liked it, and thanks for your subscription!

[@themountainraven]

Very nice Ron, I've learned so much from your videos.

[@RonCovell]

Thanks for watching, and commenting! I'll have a new video this weekend.

[@19672701]

Great video Ron! How was going to add some homemade radius dies to my leaf brake, but you made a great point, and showing its limitations because of its size, and I'll be making one like yours. Good to see you making some videos, hope all is well.

[@RonCovell]

louverdudski - Glad you liked it! I have 40 other KZbin videos posted, and more on the way!

[@19672701]

@@RonCovell oh, I keep up on your videos. In fact between you and Tin Man, is the only reason I still have a VHS player! Haha

[@andyc5612]

Great idea, will have to make one for my workshop. Thanks

[@RonCovell]

Glad you liked it!

[@zuluflight5467]

first vid-genius-subscribed-thanks for uploading

[@RonCovell]

Thanks for watching, and subscribing. I will be uploading more videos soon!

[@maximeguilbeault5698]

I try To make my armor plated on my jeep thanks for this tips 🤙

[@RonCovell]

This technique should work well for that application.

[@rabaham]

Amazing, I watched a metal Craftsman in a third world country and he was using similar bending method. Wonder how many of these old tricks are lost. Good job and thank you.

[@RonCovell]

I'm very glad you enjoyed this video, and that you took the time to comment!

[@efrainberrios8494]

Thanks for posting that video!

[@RonCovell]

Glad you liked it!

[@atdlusdriver]

I really look forward to your videos! The next time i'm at the metal supply i'm going to buy a nice heavy piece of angle iron so i can build one of these!

[@RonCovell]

You'll be glad you did!

[@NoChannelChannel]

Awesome and simple, thanks for sharing

[@RonCovell]

I'm so glad you liked it!

[@barrycarleton4326]

Thank you, you have given me an idea for my one-off. I need to make a 11cm tube for a chimney flue, so I will try with just a steel tube screwed to the bench. Later I will need to make a 2m J section guttering for the rear window of our camping-car, again I hope to bend it round a steel tube like you.

[@RonCovell]

I hope this works well for you!

[@barrycarleton4326]

@@RonCovell In the end I used my Black and Decker Workmate, it worked fine thankyou

[@RustyInventions-wz6ir]

Just found your channel and Subscribed. Very nice work

[@RonCovell]

Thanks and welcome! I have over 100 videos on KZbin, so there is a good chance you may enjoy some of the other ones.

[@guloguloguy]

GREAT IDEAS!!! THANKS, RON!!!

[@RonCovell]

Glad you like them!

[@pardalbartz]

Many Thanks. It is EXACTLY what I meed to make fuel tanks..Will make these devices and attach to my workbench!

[@RonCovell]

That's great - this fixture has served me well over the years!

[@valveman12]

Thank you Ron...very helpful

[@RonCovell]

Glad to hear it!

[@brysonwood8356]

Simple, but very effective Nicely done 👍

[@RonCovell]

Glad you like it!

[@harleykwt]

Wow what a nice material

[@RonCovell]

Thanks for watching, and commenting!

[@stewartmcneill2262]

Wow so simple Ron your the man your worth your weight in gold keep it up 👌

[@RonCovell]

Thank you, I will!

[@arturroig4467]

Great Idea! Will use in my projects!! Thanks!!

[@RonCovell]

ARTUR ROIG - I'm very glad you found this useful!

[@arturroig4467]

Ron, just realized I been watching your videos for few years now, I had that video where you weld the Aluminium foil and used to show it to my mates here in Spain years ago, what was that liquid you used to clean the metal? It was in a glass container.... Can´t believe you replied to my coment... many thanks it means a lot to me that a top guy like you has the time to reply to one of my coments. Regards!

[@RonCovell]

ARTUR ROIG - I normally use acetone to clean metal, but I always keep it in a metal container to prevent breaking it in a shop environment.

[@ahmedel-lamei2883]

Good idea Thank you for this videos Ron

[@RonCovell]

Ahmed Farouk - I hope you can put this to use for your own work.

[@ThisOldJalopy]

I AM SO MAKING ONE OF THESE TODAY omg i'm inspired

[@RonCovell]

That's great!

[@GibClark]

I will be making this ! Thank you 👍👍👍👍

[@RonCovell]

Gib Clark - I hope you like yours as much as I like mine!

[@RonCovell]

Gib Clark - I'm sure you will like it!

[@NialPowerCork]

Thanks, very useful, all the best ideas are the simple ones!!

[@RonCovell]

Glad you think so!

[@hinhinsukmana2177]

Nice idea ron I need this thank you!

[@RonCovell]

I hope you can put a tool like this to use!

[@Beobout6]

Great tips. I love it! Thank you

[@RonCovell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@madmark458]

That's very cool I love them.

[@billdlv]

Great idea with the square stock tacked that way.

[@RonCovell]

Bill De La Vega - Yeah - it really doesn't work well without that feature!

[@thomasd9237]

Very clever. Simple & effective. 👍👍

[@RonCovell]

Glad you like it! This device has worked very well for me.

[@jorgenelsonfelix52]

Excellent spectacular. Saludos desde Buenos Aires Argentina 👋😎

[@RonCovell]

Muchas gracias! Nunca he estado en Argentina, ¡pero espero visitar algún día!

[@philippboetcher9959]

That was brilliant!!!

[@RonCovell]

Glad you liked it!

[@BlueSwallowAircraft]

Thank you for this tip. Its is great!

[@RonCovell]

You're so welcome!

[@thegoodearth7]

Very nice! Old school fabrication methods joined with modern tech (e.g., mig). Excellent! Sub.

[@RonCovell]

I'm so glad you liked this video, and thank you for subscribing!

[@blackbear92201]

Awesome video - thanks for posting! :D

[@RonCovell]

Thanks for watching!

[@johncrable3349]

Hi Ron.....I saw your story on Trev's chanel. I'm a new subscriber and look forward to seeing your work. Be safe and have a happy day!

[@RonCovell]

John - Welcome to my channel! I hope you will enjoy my videos, and I plan to upload more in the near future!

[@Noeman2009]

I love its simplicity, everyone can do this.

[@RonCovell]

Simple is good!

[@MrToolsinbox]

Great vid Ron !! Thanks

[@RonCovell]

Toolsinbox - I'm very glad you liked it!

[@johncorson6599]

Nice work.. thx for sharing

[@RonCovell]

Thanks for watching!

[@bodybywill]

Nice job thanks for sharing

[@RonCovell]

Thanks for watching, and for taking the time to comment. I have over 100 videos on KZbin, and you just might enjoy some of the other ones!

[@70chevelle27]

Great ideas! Subbed and faved! Cheers Ron!

[@RonCovell]

George Washington - Thanks so much for your support! It seems like I've heard your name somewhere before, if I'm not mistaken.

[@jessestrum]

what a craftsman superb

[@RonCovell]

I'm so glad you liked it!

[@194853DodgeTrucks]

Good stuff, Ron....I like it!

[@RonCovell]

194853DodgeTrucks - I'm very glad that you enjoyed it!

[@andrewcdavies]

Great and very informative.

[@RonCovell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@edstransitscott9186]

Hey, I am still here, You are the Best Ron, Hope you are staying safe !

[@RonCovell]

I appreciate that!

[@tommybigsexy676]

That is slick! I love it.. Simple and cheap☺👍

[@RonCovell]

Sometimes the simpler solutions are best!

[@ImpalaSSRulz21]

Awesome video thanks for sharing.

[@RonCovell]

Thanks for watching!

[@eddieburgett9678]

This is great info 👍 for projects for people who do it there self's

[@RonCovell]

Yes, DIY is where it's at!

[@RC-Heli835]

Good job man! I'm needing to roll a 90 degree radius on a 22 in x 8 inch piece of 1/8 sheet metal. I need to saw a dent out of a lower outside dump truck body, weld the new in place and grind the welds smooth.

[@RonCovell]

Glad you liked the video! 1/8-inch material is a bit challenging to bend with a device like shown in this video, especially with a smaller radius (the larger the radius, the less pressure it takes to bend it). Here is a video that shows how I bend 1/8-inch material: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6WuoYaIpbGteac

[@monkfry]

Up next, Ron makes a complete roadster body using a bucket and a spring. 💪

[@RonCovell]

HAH! - That's a good one. I do plan to make a video on building another Bomber Seat using VERY simple tools!

[@monkfry]

@@RonCovell Excellent! and yes you can absolutely do quite a bit with minimal hand tools. Although dragging old machinery home is fun too haha

[@timharris804]

You sir are outstanding 👍

[@RonCovell]

Thank you kindly!