Bending stainless

[JonnyT]

Hi guys,

I have a project that is to be revealed when the car is launched but must currently be kept under wraps! However, can I use oxy to bend stainless - i need to bend 8mm tube with a 3.5mm internal diameter in a fairly short radius but only to about 10 degs. I don't think that normal bending techniques will work to create the smooth radius that I need.

Would using oxy degrade the stainless or will it assist if I am careful?

Cheers,

Jon

[Dutch Paul]

Originally Posted by JonnyT

Hi guys,

I have a project that is to be revealed when the car is launched but must currently be kept under wraps! However, can I use oxy to bend stainless - i need to bend 8mm tube with a 3.5mm internal diameter in a fairly short radius but only to about 10 degs. I don't think that normal bending techniques will work to create the smooth radius that I need.

Would using oxy degrade the stainless or will it assist if I am careful?

Cheers,

Jon

Oxy will help, but it depends how tight the radius is you want to bend. I have filled the pipe with DRY sand before, plugging the ends, then heating and bending. This helps prevent deforming the pipe. I`ve never done this with pipe this small though. Oxy shouldn`t degrade the stainless too much if you`re careful.
Alternatively, depending whether the correct radius is available there are inexpensive hand pipe benders available (similar to what the plumbers use) to bend the pipe cold.

[454pete]

Jon, you can bend as you suggest without compromising the steel, the heat will keep the radius contained, so you don't end up with a sweep instead of a bend. Always overbend a few degrees and then pull back to req. angle. This will minimise tbe tube going oval in the bend although with that kind of guage its very doubtful .
Pete
(Ex RR coppersmith)