ncrc - straightening a 2x4 steel purlin?

[Beagle]

I have some purlin that got, errr, "hot". So much so that it warped. It's 2x4 C type purlin and I'd like to reuse it for a lean to similar to what SBG just built. It's 16 foot and has about a foot of curve in it over that distance ( shaped.

Part of me says put the ( up and let it drain better. Haha. Then Nick posts his work up to be proud of and dammit all... now I think it should look a little less hillbilly.

That in mind, I don't have the equipment to heat a piece of metal that long, any other ideas on making it remotely straight again?

[Deaf Bob]

Block it and drive over it...

[Beagle]

helluva idea. Guess I should sober up for that.

[SuperBuickGuy]

helluva idea. Guess I should sober up for that.

no, just have Monica videotape it

[STINEY]

Definitely don't sober up first. Last thing you need is good judgement getting in the way of progress.

Sounds like it only got "hot" on one side. Try to recreate the "hot" scenario but with exposure to the other side should pull it back to "straighter than it was"?

You are being way too vague.........we need at least good video of the driving over it.

[Bob Holmes]

Leave a bit of crown on it so that when its loaded it doesn't sag.

[milner351]

what thickness of steel are we talking about here?

Do you have something that is at least that long and is straight that you could pull against?

Yea - just drive over it, but you only have one contact point (the tire patch) so you may have to drive over a plank that is on top of the purlin?

[SuperBuickGuy]

Leave a bit of crown on it so that when its loaded it doesn't sag.

that would be good use of a Ford motor - pipe straightener, hang it from the beam where it's bowed

[Beagle]

that would be good use of a Ford motor - pipe straightener, hang it from the beam where it's bowed

that's not a bad idea either, but I don't think a SBF weighs enough to do it.

How do I tell which side is the bark side Bob?

John - I'd sandwich it somehow to keep it from flipping sideways.

[SuperBuickGuy]

that's not a bad idea either, but I don't think a SBF weighs enough to do it.

How do I tell which side is the bark side Bob?

John - I'd sandwich it somehow to keep it from flipping sideways.

maybe a former Exxon Valdez diesel motor?

[milner351]

how about put both ends up on blocks then set something heavy on the middle until it's straight.... it's a shame you don't have sbgs or stiney's bobcat - I'm sure a bit of down force from the bucket and that thing would be straight in no time.

[Beagle]

I knew somebody would justify a tractor for me if I waited long enough!! 10 acres.. need tractor. I bet a Massey 255 would fix it. Yeah.

[Deaf Bob]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVZvjdQT3ks&sns=em

Another reason to own a tractor...

[Beagle]

ah hell, that's cheating. I thought he was gonna use kittens or spotted owls.

[STINEY]

^ That is brilliance in action. Spot on.