Bending tube
#1
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Bending tube
I'm trying to fabricate a header for an AP .061. I'm using slightly bigger than 1/4" aluminum tubing. I'm having troubles getting it to bend without kinking or tearing. Any ideas?
#4
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RE: Bending tube
If what you are trying to bend is the hobby shop stuff, you are probably fighting a loosing battle. Find a hardare store that carries aluminum refrigeration tubing. It comes in all sizes and is dead soft.
Les
Les
#6
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RE: Bending tube
How much pressure do you think there will be in the tube? It has two open ends and only carries the exhaust. It isn't like a boiler that holds a pressure.
#8
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RE: Bending tube
Laird, Wasn't worried about pressure, what about vibration and resonance? The only way to learn is to ask. I've seen people use copper tube, but don't like it much....
#9
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RE: Bending tube
I have found that copper tubing works well even with 4 strokes-at least you can bend it easily and braze, solder if necessary. Aluminum tubing seems to vary in hardness, and some is difficult to impossible to bend. Aluminum tubing is also more susceptible to cracking due to vibration.
#10
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RE: Bending tube
I've used various diameter metal tubing from the auto parts store ( short lengths of gas or brake line tubing) for headers for my four strokes. I would think the aluminum would be more prone to crack. Although the metal tubing is a little heavier, it does bend and silver solder very nicely. I usually take the tubing to the polishing wheel before I do any bending or cutting.
#12
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RE: Bending tube
Hey, what ever works. It's nice to have a resource of information at hand when you come up with a problem. I guess differen't applications would let you use one thing that might not work somewhere else very well......