How do I install round bar stock on front edge of deck?

[Fordiesel69 263]

I need to start repairing my decks as I have no spares.  On 2 of my older style 42" side discharge decks, it does not have the half round bar to protect the front edge from getting bent.  I have a local steel company I can source the bar stock from but have no shop or machines to bent it.  Can I just weld and bend by hand as i go?  

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,045]

I have added 1/2" round bar and did as you suggest. If necessary a MAP torch is plenty to heat on the sharper bends..

[lynnmor 7,306]

Buy a longer length than you need.  Take the deck and steel bar out in the woods and find a tree crotch for your bending jig.  It ain't rocket surgery. 

[mrc 812]

2 or 3 pairs of vise grips help too.  i used rebar on a friends deck

[peter lena 8,628]

@lynnmor   say what ?  bending steel bar on a tree , ?  should be talking to you more often !  you cant  do that  !   only kidding , makes sense to me to  bend something  on an immovable  round based object ?  sch 40  1" pipe  as a helper ?  watch out , they will be coming for you ,  thanks for the refreshing idea , pete

[Lee1977 6,659]

I used 3/8" cold roll a cross the front clamp it with vice grips weld the end. then pull it tight clamp it and weld another spot. I welded about every 4"  then I turned it over welded the same spots on the bottom. I was bending the deck from hitting roots avove the ground, haven't  bent it since.  Across the closed end I used 1/8 x 1" flat.

This is a 47 year old deck.

 

 

Edited May 4 by Lee1977

[John c 79]

acetylene torch and some used motor oil to quench it in would be ideal if you can, I'd probably do it in 2 halves and put the seam behind the middle gage wheel.

 

Don't have an acetylene rig ???? What better time than this to add a tool to your arsenal.

[kpinnc 12,061]

10 hours ago, Lee1977 said:

I used 3/8" cold roll a cross the front clamp it with vice grips weld the end. then pull it tight clamp it and weld another spot. I welded about every 4"  then I turned it over welded the same spots on the bottom. I was bending the deck from hitting roots avove the ground, haven't  bent it since. 

 

If you use this method, you don't need additional heat. As has already been said, use a longer piece than needed. When you make the last weld, cut off the excess.