I've been reading this group for a while now and am impressed with the knowledge I've seen. I've learned alot. I am new to metalworking, and have a couple of questions I hope you can help with.
I want to make some ornamental things, mostly one-offs such as bird feeder hangers, artistic wall hangings, etc. This would involved making bends in mild steel. I plan to use mostly thin plate (less than
1/4 " for sure - mostly 24 gauge) and round and square bar (nothing more than 3/8" - mostly 1/4" and smaller) and possibly rebar. This would all be out of mild steel or possibly copper wire and the radius' involved could be quite small (2-3"). This might also include large curves, rings, etc.I have a MIG welder, vise, hand tools, propane torch, and mapp/oxygen torch. I think i should purchase one of these, bur I'm not sure which would be best. Does anyone have any recomendations or other suggestions?
A "universal bender" I see at