How to Bend Metal Using a Torch

You can make simple bends in iron and steel using nothing more than a torch to heat and soften the metal.

Heating the metal

With a soapstone pencil, mark a line across the stock to indicate the center of the bend. Clamp the stock in a vise. Light the torch and adjust it to a neutral flame. Play the flame back and forth along the line, keeping it directly on the line to ensure that the bend will be straight.

Bending the metal

When the area along the line is bright orange, turn off the torch and set it aside. Press straight down with one hand on the end of the metal — applying uniform, firm pressure — to bend it on the line (left). Brush off scale at the bend with a wire brush. After the metal has cooled enough that it will not damage the tool, hold a combination square set with a protractor head against the workpiece to check the angle of the bend (right). If the angle is not correct, reheat the metal and adjust the bend.