Thank you, all!

As usual, I was over thinking the solution.  I use those big paper clips 
for lots of things including for clamping some glue-ups.   I have a 
supply in all sizes from gigantic to tiny.  They will be an excellent 
solution for making bar gauges in any size needed.

But, I think I really just want to learn how to work brass.  I'm 
thinking that I might want to use brass for some other tinkering.
So, I'm refining the question for those of you who have the experience.

In this drawing 
(http://i1077.photobucket.com/albums/w469/RHHutchins/3versions.jpg), the 
bottom piece was my original concept of the slotting using a square 
profile.  The diagonal lines indicate the axis of the bend and the 
material removed was half the thickness.  The slots are all on the inner 
part of the bend, not the outer.  The middle piece shows adapting the 
slot or groove to a V as recommended.  I set the width dimension at the 
top equal to the thickness of the bar stock and set the depth of the 
groove to 1/2 the thickness.  In the top drawing, I made the depth of 
the groove 3/4 the thickness of the slot.  I'm trying to show what I 
learned - or failed to learn - from your posts.  Please correct any 
misconceptions I've demonstrated.

Again, thank you all for the responses and good advice.

Bob Hutchins
Temple, TX, USA

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