bending aluminum

[taintedplay]

anyone know how much getting someone to bend aluminum costs aproximately? I know you need to see what the bends are, but do they have like startup costs are something? becuase im 15 and on a very limited budget but need a rounded square tube. Thanks, Taintedplay

[rendermandan]

you could try and bend it yourself. Just cut some slots in one side of the tube using the kerf cut of the blade to aid in the bend. Just don't cut all the way thru the tube. here's a screen shot of what I mean. Then after your done, use some JBweld to hold it all together.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/benttube.jpg

[sirkillalot617]

Nice little quide rendermandan + rep.

[taintedplay]

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n236/Taintedplay/bend.jpg

thats what im wanting to try, with probally .1 thick aluminum

[rendermandan]

thats what im wanting to try, with probally .1 thick aluminum

Um, you said it was tubing. what size tube are you referring to? Can you give some dimensions? and is that a drawing of a profile or a plan view? If its a plan view then you you will have to have a seam somewhere.

[taintedplay]

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n236/Taintedplay/bend-1.jpg

since then ive been rethinking my thoughts, and i think this one would be better. A seam on the bottom (where it wont be seen) is fine. This is a front view (i think thats the name of it) it will be about a foot - 18 inches long (not seen in this pic). Thanks, Taintedplay

[.Maleficus.]

In that case, see what you can do with what dan said. If you can, practice on a scrap piece first, and see what it takes to get the results you desire.

[Visionary]

I saw something on TV where a guy was bending a brass tube for a trombone. He filled the tube with water then stuck it in a freezer until the water turned to ice. The ice was strong enough to keep the tube from collapsing as it was being bent. But I think brass is softer than aluminum. I’m not sure if ice in an aluminum tube would be enough to keep it from collapsing.