Making brackets; bending 1/4" x 3" aluminum flat stock

[guru_florida]

I am trying to make brackets for the Z-axis tower of my cnc machine. I wondered if this bracket might be tough to make via a bend, but thought I would attempt it.

I have included the picture. THe bent piece turned out 90 degrees alright, but not at the right perpindicular angle which I think is evident in the pic. During the banging, the left end of the vice the material was flast to the vice, the right side was not. Maybe I could bang it some more into shape, it's not easy banging 1/4" into shape.

I used a butane torch to heat the metal at the bend. I know, aluminum is such a good heat conductor the heat becomes uniform very quickly. I may not have heated the metal enough,

...I am such a rookie bender!!!

Any suggestions? I dont have access to a metal brake.

[martinw]

Dear guru florida,

Sorry, I know next to nothing about metal bending, ....but I do know that some Aluminium alloys are way better suited to cold forming than others.

I hope the alloy experts come to your aid.

Best wishes,

Martin