I need to bend some .125 5052. It doesn't have to be a sharp bend, but I do need a net of 90 degrees. If I tried to brake it to 90 on the brake with the standard apx(0) radius it will tear. 45 is about as far as it will bend easily. I have not been very happy in the past with two close 45 degree bends. It seems to harden further back then you would expect.
I was thinking of trying about a 1/2" radius by:
Cutting a wide notch in some 1/2" black iron pipe (apx 1" OD give or take). Slip the pipe over the ends of the fingers. Adjust clamping force and distance. Adjusting the fingers on my brake back so that the edge of the bending part (table? apron?) + .125 is tangential with the leading face of the pipe when all is clamped down. Bend (with some help) to 90+ in one continuous motion.
I was figuring a light coat of oil on the bottom face of the aluminum sheet to help it slide against the apron.
Has anybody tried it? Will my pipe finger caps just go flying?