Bending brass tubes

[stefanbuss]

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

[stefanbuss]

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

[uncletony]

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....

[uncletony]

let me know if this requires further explanation...





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

[coyotemagic]

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

[ALBATROS1234]

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.

[stefanbuss]

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

[uncletony]

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

[jknaus]

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