Bending brass tubing?

[ShadowNix]

Hey all,

So, quick question... I have bent brass wire without problems (I have a variety of good pliers, needle holders without teeth, etc.) and have read the forums about this... but my question is, how do I bend brass tubing without kinking it?  Thanks in advance for any help.

Brian

[bwftex]

Brian,

 I've tried to bend bass tubing but it kinked every time. I even tried heating it up with a torch first but that didn't work out either.  What I've done with both brass and plastic tubing is to cut it at an angle and either soder or glue the angled pieces together then round and smooth the bend with a file or moto tool. Solder or putty can be used to fill and smooth the inside angle and fill the outside bend if a hole in the tubing developes when being rounded.  Bruce

[John Busby]

Hi ShadowNix

block the end of the tube with a piece of  rag,

Fill and pack it with Games Workshop sand scatter material ( it is fine sand ) make sure it is dry!!.

Block the other end of the tube

heat it slowly till hot enough to bend it will be dull red I think

bend it round a former allow it to cool in the air then empty it and its ready to use.

Alternatively you will have to try and find a model maker sized pipe bender for the tubing.

Those are the only thoughts I have.

If you can get away with brass rod use that its easier to bend neatly.

regards John 

 

[SteamFreak]

Hey all,

So, quick question... I have bent brass wire without problems (I have a variety of good pliers, needle holders without teeth, etc.) and have read the forums about this... but my question is, how do I bend brass tubing without kinking it?  Thanks in advance for any help.

Brian

MicroMark has two tools for bending tubing.

5-PIECE SPRING TYPE TUBE BENDER SET

BENDING MACHINE

[navygunner]

I needed to bend some 5/32 tubing for a street light project.  I got a block of scrap aluminium about 2" x 4" x 5"  I drilled and tapped holes for screw in dowel pins such as those used for locating metal parts for precision assemblies like bearing caps in industry. I like to use the pins with female threads, as they are tapered on the threaded end.  I set the pins with threaded rod and adjust the pin height to provide as much contoured support as possible.  I set another pin next to the first pin close enough to hold the tubing tightly.  I insert the tubing between the pins and pull it around until I get the shape that I need.  Basicaly a small manual tube bender.

That's the way I approached the problem and got nice results for my N Scale street lamps.  I have not tried it on larger diameter tubing.

Bob

[emdgp92]

Depending on the size of the tubing, you can insert a piece of brass rod, or wire. That'll keep the tubing from collapsing when you bend it. As a bonus, instead of removing the rod or wire...the cut ends can be used as mounting pegs.

[ShadowNix]

Thanks for all the ideas... great ideas from all... I will post my results when I get done making my outdoor lamps/shades.

Brian

[BigRusty]

In my plant we filled the tube with low temp metal which made perect bends with no kinking. We heated them to drain it for re-use. If you only have a few and they are small diameter, I would pinch one end and fill with pounded down wet sand. Pinch that end and bend slowly to allow the metal to stretch on the high side, Cut off the pinched ends. I used this method to make gooseneck lampostswhich came out great. Use the post for the ground and an insulated wite inside for the hot wire.

[ShadowNix]

The sand is a great idea, BigRusty... thanks! I will try it.

Brian