bending new transom plate

[b4drowning]

Bending aluminum sheet

I am new here, and may have bit off a big mouthfull. I am replaceing the aluminum transon in my 87 alumicraft trophy 170. the reason is- I want to cut down the the splashwekk cutout for more storage in the boat. I have demo'ed down to bare hull and stringers, removed the old transom. made a template of the transom out of plywood, and will pick up a 4x12 sheet of .1 6061 tomorrow. my plan was to cut the aluminum 1 1/2 inchs larger on bottom and sides to maintain a 1/2 in bend radius for the rivit surface to the hull. I plan on bending the radius and flange useing a hammer over my template. I sure im missing something, or have not thought about something- looking for any guidance from the wise on this forum. I have found a place that will press the form if need be, but I want to save whatever cost I can.

 

[jbcurt00]

Looks like a mod moved it to a new topic for you.

Good luck w your project

 

[Bondo]

I am new here, and may have bit off a big mouthfull. I am replaceing the aluminum transon in my 87 alumicraft trophy 170. the reason is- I want to cut down the the splashwekk cutout for more storage in the boat. I have demo'ed down to bare hull and stringers, removed the old transom. made a template of the transom out of plywood, and will pick up a 4x12 sheet of .1 6061 tomorrow. my plan was to cut the aluminum 1 1/2 inchs larger on bottom and sides to maintain a 1/2 in bend radius for the rivit surface to the hull. I plan on bending the radius and flange useing a hammer over my template. I sure im missing something, or have not thought about something- looking for any guidance from the wise on this forum. I have found a place that will press the form if need be, but I want to save whatever cost I can.

Ayuh,..... Aluminum works hardens extremely quickly, so you'll end up with alota cracks beatin' it with a hammer,.....

The press brake is a much better idea,...

 

[Scott Danforth]

6061 is a structural grade and is way too hard to bend. you should be using 5052 or one of the other marine grades such as 5083 or 5086.

5052 is what most of the aluminum boats are made from.

your best bet, work in cardboard first. then find a company that fabricates aluminum and buy it bent to your template.

remember, your splashwell was sized for the motor to be tilted all the way up.

 

[b4drowning]

I am new here, and may have bit off a big mouthfull. I am replaceing the aluminum transon in my 87 alumicraft trophy 170. the reason is- I want to cut down the the splashwell cutout for more storage in the boat. I have demo'ed down to bare hull and stringers, removed the old transom. made a template of the transom out of plywood, and will pick up a 4x12 sheet of .1 6061 tomorrow. my plan was to cut the aluminum 1 1/2 inchs larger on bottom and sides to maintain a 1/2 in bend radius for the rivit surface to the hull. I plan on bending the radius and flange useing a hammer over my template. I sure im missing something, or have not thought about something- looking for any guidance from the wise on this forum. I have found a place that will press the form if need be, but I want to save whatever cost I can.

 

[Woodonglass]

Welcome to iBoats!
I'm not a "Tinner" but I'm sure the ones that are will soon be along to help!!!

 

[jbcurt00]

Nothing to see here, move along

 

[GA_Boater]

The OP posted in an old thread and a Mod started a new topic for him. Since then OP started a new thread, so both have been scmushed together into one.

You will see what appear to be out of sequence posts.

 

[b4drowning]

thanks all- I will order 5052 and have a press do the work for me. it never hurts to ask the experts

 

[Bondo]

Looks like a mod moved it to a new topic for you.

Good luck w your project

Ayuh,..... guess I shoulda said something in my 1st post,....