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WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Hints and Tips/Questions about modeling => Topic started by: stefanbuss on May 30, 2014, 06:09:00 PM

Title: Bending brass tubes
Post by: stefanbuss on May 30, 2014, 06:09:00 PM

Friends,

I know how this works in real life for hydraulic lines - unfortunately I don't have a bending machine available (apart from the fact that this machine would be slightly overscale...).

How can I bend a brass tube with an outer diameter of 0.8mm, without just folding it? I want to replicate the long cooling pipe running towards the radiator, on an Albatros DV.

Any ideas?



Stefan

Title: Re: Bending brass tubes
Post by: stefanbuss on May 30, 2014, 07:23:52 PM

I need a tube, as I want to show the open/disconnected end of the coolant pipe. A solid rod unfortunately is no option.

Title: Re: Bending brass tubes
Post by: uncletony on May 30, 2014, 08:11:41 PM

No problem.

First heat it to remove the temper

You don't need a bending machine. Just make a jig from drill bits and a piece of scrap (anything). A picture here is worth a thousand words, excuse me while I go draw something for you....

Title: Re: Bending brass tubes
Post by: uncletony on May 31, 2014, 02:25:29 AM

let me know if this requires further explanation...

(http://i1255.photobucket.com/albums/hh640/UncleTony1917/strutsandbending2_zps5dd7d118.jpg)
(http://i1255.photobucket.com/albums/hh640/UncleTony1917/strutsandbending3_zpsbf1222de.jpg)
(http://i1255.photobucket.com/albums/hh640/UncleTony1917/strutsandbending1a_zps3531e5e8.jpg)

p.s. I will be making the same parts for my alby very soon, so stay tuned :)

Title: Re: Bending brass tubes
Post by: coyotemagic on May 31, 2014, 02:43:13 AM

I've had a great deal of success placing a light gauge high E guitar string into the tubing, bending it, then removing the guitar string.
Cheers,
Bud

Title: Re: Bending brass tubes
Post by: ALBATROS1234 on June 08, 2014, 02:36:34 PM

i was about to post the same solution as coyotemagic. this is an old trick to put wire inside a piece of tube so it does crush when bending. i would do that even if you build a jig like bo drew.

Title: Re: Bending brass tubes
Post by: stefanbuss on June 11, 2014, 03:38:29 PM

Quote

wire inside a piece of tube so it does crush when bending

Sorry for my lack of understanding - isn't the idea that the wire prevents the tube from being crushed? Am I missing something obvious (or obvious for a native English speaking person)?

Stefan :o

Title: Re: Bending brass tubes
Post by: uncletony on June 11, 2014, 06:11:22 PM

I think that's a typo Stefan ;) Scott meant "doesn't"

Title: Re: Bending brass tubes
Post by: jknaus on June 11, 2014, 08:18:09 PM

Another option would be solder. Easy to bend and soft so you can drill out the end. I've used that on armour before.
James