A bent machete

TheDandyLion

TheDandyLion

Joined
Mar 27, 2013
Messages
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I recently found an old Marbles (only legible marking through the rust and caked on paint is a "Ma") in my dads shop while moving. He said he used it in his trail building days and I would love to keep it in the field. Only problem is that it has a bend in it, not a terrible one but when I set it on a flat counter there is a solid 1/4" gap from the blade and the counter. Any way I can fix this?
 
Lock the blade in a well-mounted vise with the bend right above the jaws and haul on it hard. That usually works.
 
I tried the vise, wasn't cooperative. I bent till it felt like it was going to break with no result
 
I read something in popular mechanics once that applies here. I use it alot. The article was about straightening bent sawzall blades. They advised to not bend it back because it can create a weak spot, or not bend back at the same point causing a wavy blade. They advised to think like a blacksmith and lay it on a flat surface and hammer it straight. It works like a charm in this application. Might work for you.
 
I've straightened a couple by using a vice and bending 'em back. I usually clamp them between two pieces of 2x4 and slowly put some weight on it. They (most) are tempered for flexibility, so it can take a pretty good effort to bend it back.
 
Ryan J said:
I read something in popular mechanics once that applies here. I use it alot. The article was about straightening bent sawzall blades. They advised to not bend it back because it can create a weak spot, or not bend back at the same point causing a wavy blade. They advised to think like a blacksmith and lay it on a flat surface and hammer it straight. It works like a charm in this application. Might work for you.
Click to expand...

That's never occurred to me, but it's a great idea. Thanks. :thumbup::cool:
 
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