I think the advice given by Bob (below) is good, and easilly the best bet.
The issue of distorting the tube reminded me of stories my father has told
me of when he was a plumbing apprentice before WWII. They used to fill the
pipes with sand before heating them. This apparently stoped the
distortion. I just thought you might be interested.
Greg
>Mike;
>
>Try taking it to your local exhaust system shop. Most of them don't
>stock pipes anymore, but bend straight pipe to fit. See if they can
>bent it for you.
>
>If you need something heavier try an electical contractor that
>specializes in commercial construction jobs. On large jobs most of the
>electrical tubing is bent with benders on site.
>
>Good luck
>Bob Brooks
>rbrooks@micrelinc.com
>
>Mike Lee - Team Banana Racing wrote:
>>
>> Hi all,
>>
>> I'm looking for some help with bending tubing. I'm trying to make something
>> which will require some sharp successive 90 degree bends in tubing.
>> I will be using some tubing ~1-1.5" o.d. (undecided) 1/16"-1/8" thick.
>> The two 90 degree bends will be about 3" apart, and perpendicular to each
>> other. I would also distort the tubing as little as possible.
>>
>> I understand a mandrel bender would be the best route, but I don't happen
>> to have one in my garage... The only thing I can think of doing is to
>> clamp down two pieces of heavy rod in my vise, heat the tubing to cherry-red
>> with an oxy-act torch, and then bend it using the rod. But I think this
>> will seriously distort the tubing.
>>
>> Can anyone recommend a better way to accomplish this?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Mike
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