Metalwork advice required

[Sixpence]

Not my favourite subject so I'll explain as best I can.
Mast section supplied by Clive has been cut to shape for reinforcing the area of the mast where the spreaders attach, just need to clean them up a bit more and they can go on. The problem is that although they lay flush with the mast almost the full length, the ends don't. They are less than a cm off the mast but it's still a very clear gap so I'm keen to close it, but not being much good with metal, any ideas for doing this would be more than welcome.
Picture of my work so far, the only way I can think of doing it will be by clamping each end with g clamps or similar, before rivets are used to fix it in place. But it's very hard to bend so I'm a bit worried that this will just pop the rivets out as soon as the clamp's released. Any thoughts ?

 

[MoodySabre]

If you push the ends down then the sides will splay out won't they? I know b all about metal work (my brother is a blacksmith in Canada) but I would try clamping one end and the middle against the mast and then whacking the other end using a wood block and a big hammer. That might help it conform enough.

Just my not technical thoughts in the absence of a mobile forge.

Off to bed - sailing tomorrow /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Good luck Dave

 

[Sixpence]

Hadn't thought about it spreading but if I can get it flush before I rivet I'm hoping it will work

Enjoy the day, hope to join you soon /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Sixpence]

Ever had a eureka moment ?
This arrived today in the form of a telephone call from metal mickey Mr Circle himself /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Problem solved, thanks Jim

 

[FullCircle]

[ QUOTE ]
Ever had a eureka moment ?
This arrived today in the form of a telephone call from metal mickey Mr Circle himself /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Problem solved, thanks Jim

[/ QUOTE ]


Eye Thang Yoop! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Sixpence]

It would certainly have failed the EU banana inspection /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Just need a half decent Guapacast for this weekend now /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[Wunja]

Can you enlighten us onlookers as to the magic solution?

Just in case we should ever be in the same situation and nothing to do with being nosey!

 

[FullCircle]

One piece of the two was not flat. Also, it was a bit overlong at 500mm. By cutting it to around 300mm, the bits are then flat and sit against the mast. Simple really.

 

[Wunja]

Thanks. All is now clear /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Sixpence]

Well I did admit to being a metalwork numptie /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
Sometimes what should have been glaringly obvious in the first place, takes someone more experienced to point out that when laid on a flat surface there shouldn't be a gap underneath it large enough for a double decker to drive through /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Project for tomorrow is to shorten as suggested, and having checked with a 300mm straight edge, it's virtually flat for that distance /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[CliveG]

I know the mast was bent but I thought that we cut out a straight bit.
You just don't know your own strength /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Sixpence]

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Surprised me, it looked perfectly straight until laid like that