Bending Acrylic Rod

[homechild]

Does anyone know how to bend 8mm thick acrylic rod?

I'd like to pose my plane at an angle for my "Pacific" SIG but cant think how to bend the rod.

I tried putting it in boiling water to soften it but it didn't work (maybe I didn't do it for long enough).

Any ideas?

[Guest]

hot hairdryer maybe.

[Andy2035]

I made a roll bar using spure and hot water, I bent it past what I wanted it and used a piece of wood and some pins to hold it...

I left it for a good hour and then when I removed the pins it sprung back to nearly the correct position that I wanted so just a another quick heat in water and some minor bending by hand got it to where I wanted it...

Hope that helps...

[Guest]

can you not just leave the rod straight but put it into the plane at the angle required before glueing it in place,or nick a bit of 8mm copper pipe of a local plumber which bends really easily.

[homechild]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Love the roll-bar on the 'vette Andy, looks nice!

I'll try the hairdryer tomorrow once the kids are up, don't want to wake them tonight!!

I've already cut the hole in the bottom of the Corsair, Andrew, so we're passed the point that where that can be done. It'll look okay horizontal but I just thought it would look better at an angle.

[Dustbin]

What type of cooker do you have ? If gas, try heating and bending same way you would plastic spru but heat a bit longer. If electric,lay across edge of hot-plate/ring and check for bend-ability frequently and use oven-gloves with either method.

Paul

[stona]

I wouldn't apply a flame dirrectly to the rod. You'll discolour it at best and completely melt it or set it on fire at worst.

I've bent rods for several stands and have always done it using a pan of boiling water. If making large adjustments I make them in stages,returning the rod to the boiling water each time. If you force it you'll break it as I found out the hard way....several times

Cheers

Steve

[homechild]

I had doubts about the flame one myself. Having a Gas hob I thought it might discolour it or make it cloudy.

I think the biggest problem is the thickness of it because it's pretty solid.

Maybe I'll try to hairdryer or boiling water (for a bit longer this time).

[stona]

Maybe I'll try to hairdryer or boiling water (for a bit longer this time).

I've bent 8mm using boiling water Drew. It never really goes completely plastic but does become bendable. You can bend it in the water if you just want a rough curve by using the bottom/side of the pan to push against.

Cheers

Steve

[Guest]

Secure one end and heat with a hair dryer, allpy pressure to the rod and when you feel even the sligtest give in the structure remove the heat and then gently assist it to the shape you require, if you have some cold water in a spray bottle then you can instantly "freeze" it in the shape (it will return back a little when you let go)

The main point is when you feel ANY give in the rod REMOVE the heat as this is the start of a very short process of the molecules in the polymer technically moving from solid to liquid form by realigning themselves. ... the same way as if you heat sprue up with a lighter and just after it goes supple enough to stretch, it suddenly shrivels and twists (ask me how i know )