Hey, do what YOU want, but you cant pound the crap out of aluminum without causing damage. Heating on the other hand, especially a good alloy like 6061-T6 will allow bending easily without fracturing, and still gives the originals' strength and elasticity. I have done it many times and it works so what can I say? I got this tip from a fellow that makes gear for sale, many many gears later it works.

If you have not tried it, dont knock it. I have tried using the "force" method and bending a 4" wide 1/4" plate of alloy is a job needing a 20 lb sledge, not exactly what I would call easy, and you will fracture the metal.

Andrew Coholic