A commenter on our recent mini bending brake post points us to Experimental Aircraft Association member Dave Clay’s DIY brake design from the opposite end of the size continuum. Dave built it to make long bends in sheet aluminum for constructing kit aircraft parts. It’s made of stock steel shapes and cost less than $100. [Thanks, rocketguy1701!]
Sweet.
Does anybody have a similar idea for bending tubes? Like stainless steel or aluminium tubes for holders on a motorcycle?
Tubes are more complicated, but yes, the web is full of resources. Google ‘gingery tube bender’, for example. The tricky bit is generally making the dies, if you don’t have a lathe.
There is a series of books on building metal working equipment for 3rd world countries, one of which is a pipe bender. These are available cheaply over the net. The dies for this bender are made from wood and steel, wood for the curved bender then steel on the sides to support it.
You may even find the plans for free on the net.
Regards
Troy
// What's Trending
Raspberry Pi Design Contest
Seventeen Sneaky Secret Hides
Teardrop Camper Trailer
Dad Builds Son an Iron Man Arc Reactor
What to do with an 800 Lb Eucalyptus Slab
A Maker Wedding
Lego Steampunk Strandbeest Model
10 Things to Connect to Your Raspberry Pi
// What's Shared
A better way to slice a pumpkin
DIY Nerf Darts
100 Dollar Store Organization Ideas for Craft Rooms and Beyond
In the Maker Shed: Minty Boost USB Charger
Mad’s Mouse House
Lace Princess Crowns
I Have a (Puzzling) Dream
Play the Rings of a Tree Trunk Like a Record
// Most Commented
Plastic Bags into Plastic Blocks: Revisited
10 Hot New Boards to Watch
Why the Maker Movement is Here to Stay
MAKE Asks: Roadside Hacks
Ten Tips for Hand Saws and Blades
DIY Hacks & How To’s: Convert From Battery Power to AC
How To Make Your Own Laundry Detergent
What to do with an 800 Lb Eucalyptus Slab