Successfully bending aluminum (so you can shoot horsehshoes?
) depends on several factors:
1. The type of aluminum: Some alloys do not bend well, others bend easily, and some just break. Find the right kind.
2. The thickness: Some alloys can be bent if thin enough, but thicker will crack. Again, find the right alloy.
3. The bend radius: tight bends are harder than broad bends (say, 24" diameter). Broad bends are easier by hand than tight bends.
4. For a precision bend, you use a roll bender. Even Harbor Freight sells a cheap one. You can even make one with some effort.