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How do I Make a Sharp Bend in 4130 Tubing?

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Tom Kay

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 10, 2007
Messages
409
Location
Canada
Hi Guys;

I did a search on this topic, in this forum, but diodn't find what I was looking for. Although, I admit to not looking through every thread that popped up, but, I tried.

So, I know there has been a lot said about welding and bending 4130 tubing, but I'd like to know the best way to create a fairly sharp bend in a localized spot, in Chrome-Moly tubing. The best application example I can give, would be where the cockpit section ends, and starts to taper toward the tail. In many designs, you see a very obvious bend in the tubing at this location.

Let's assume I'm using 5/8 or 3/4 OD tubing with a .049 wall. Also assume for the moment, that I make the entire fuselage frame out of this size of tubing.

So, what's the best way to achieve this? Do you heat the tubing cherry red, or dull red, and then bend over some form? Or would this kill the properties of the steel too much?

I would assume that you would avoid doing a simple butt joint a the bend location. I can't see that being very strong.

Or, is this tubing maliable enough to simply bend over a form, to the desired angle, at room temperature?

Thanks for any replies. Tom.
 
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