discussion smooth bend of brass rectangular tube

[Lq61748]

Hello,

Can anyone recommend a way to achieve a smooth bend in 3/32 x 3/16. x 2 IN hollow Brass . I've included an image of what I'm trying to achieve. many thanks, Lou

 

[stillp]

Fill it with solder, bend it, then melt the solder out.
Pete

 

[adt70hk]

Fill it with solder, bend it, then melt the solder out.
Pete

Genius!!

 

[Tim Marlow]

That’s the proper use of Wood’s metal Peter. It could be easily melted out with boiling water. Bet you can’t get it these days….

 

[stillp]

Yes, you can Tim - Google it! Most people don't have any of that though, but they do have solder.
Pete

 

[Guest]

That's something good to know Pete. I have used really hot water to bend plastic pipe with some success, I hasten to add not the plastic used for plumbing !

 

[Jim R]

I'm not sure if I'm imagining this but did I read somewhere that if you filled the tube with fine sand it could be bent without kinking???
Jim

 

[stillp]

I'm not sure if I'm imagining this but did I read somewhere that if you filled the tube with fine sand it could be bent without kinking???
Jim

That works with metal tubes Jim, and has the advantage when bending steel that you can heat it red hot. Problem is how to stop the sand running out. I used to know someone who made a custom exhaust manifold by welding a cap on each tube, filling it with sand then capping the other end. He worked for a welding company so didn't worry too much about the cost of the gas...
Pete

 

[Tim Marlow]

Yes, you can Tim - Google it! Most people don't have any of that though, but they do have solder.
Pete

Interesting…I’ve got some 70DegC lowmelt solder for white metal. I wonder if it’s the same stuff. I don’t use it these days, I don’t do any modelling that requires it. The prices are a great deal less than Carrs sell it for though LOL…

 

[David Lovell]

I dont think your ever bend rectangular pipe square just dont go ,but if it's just brass tube go on ebay stick in model pipe bender loads of em come up like plumbers full size but Diddy says as used by model steam engine chappies . Dave

 

[Ian M]

Candle wax is cheaper than solder.....probably easier to clean up as well. Unlike the sand method, you don't need to seal the ends off either....

Regarding bending tools try a search of shops for radio control things. Also wood boat kit manufacturers often have some kind of bending tool for wire and tubes. Believe Robbe have some...

 

[Ancientmariner]

I use very fine sand in tube or box when bending, cap ends, bend and then cut and let sand out.