Heating and Bending Metal

[wakadaka]

Hi Guys

I have been interesting in getting an Oxy/Ace set up for awhile but mainly to heat and bend metal sheet and pipe rather than to cut or weld with. The more I have started looking into it the fire regs and cost seem crazy for the amount I would use the kit!

Is an Oxy/Propane torch going to give me another oomfh to heat and bend 1-4mm sheet and rods? Also can anyone suggest the cheapest and safest way to get set up with this kit or any other alternatives?

Thanks

Jamie

 

[julianthegypsy]

I frequently use oxy to heat 10mm square bar for forging if I'm not doing enough to justify firing up the coke forge and sometimes 12mm or more so you should have no bother.

 

[brightspark]

Hi Guys

I have been interesting in getting an Oxy/Ace set up for awhile but mainly to heat and bend metal sheet and pipe rather than to cut or weld with. The more I have started looking into it the fire regs and cost seem crazy for the amount I would use the kit!

Is an Oxy/Propane torch going to give me another oomfh to heat and bend 1-4mm sheet and rods? Also can anyone suggest the cheapest and safest way to get set up with this kit or any other alternatives?

Thanks

Jamie

hi use a propane and oxygen set up no rental on propane bottles and look for a no rental deal on your oxygen bottle

 

[cumbriasteve]

4mm bar should be easy enough to shape without heat, I use 6mm bar a lot and either bend it in my miracle bender for tight angles or shape it between two short bits of 12mm bar welded to a bit of heavy angle and held in the vice simply by applying pressure to obtain the curve I require.

In fact I have the same jigs for up to 12mm round and square bar.

If you are doing a lot of work the Metalcraft bending/rolling machine is a very capable tool used by some members, expensive but built to last a lifetime and can soon pay for itself.

 

[shenion]

Even regular propane will make things easier to bend.

I have an oxy propane setup and it works well. I have an adapter to use a disposable MAPP gas can but I have never needed to use it.

 

[wakadaka]

Thanks for all of the advice guys.

The miracle bender or the metal craft looks like definite Christmas list items!!

I was hoping to make something based on what Kevin Carron has made with 3mm box tube 100mmx100mm http://www.kevincaron.com/art_detail/sprung.html so for this I would need to heat the tubing rather than bend it.

I am very aware of how easy it is to do something stupid with a gas set up so would the set I want buy be "exactly" the same as a Oxy/Ace set up with a different adaptor? Normally I would try and bodge my own but I want to keep my face and house intact so splashing out and buying a ready made kit or a oxy/ace kit with a simple adaptor would be my preferred option.

Cheers

 

[shenion]

My O/P setup is nothing but an O/A torch. The reg attaches directly to the propane tank; the fitting is the same. I don't know if it is the same over there.

If I wanted to do cutting, I would need special tips for propane.

There supposedly are hoses that don't work on propane; you will need to check if they are suitable. I have had no problems with mine.

 

[ben8vgte]

Something like this http://www.weldequip.com/oxy-propane-brazing.htm would be good, add the heating attachment and you can get a cutting head for them too.

I use oxy propane for heating and heavy cutting, not too mention the odd bit of brazing.

 

[wakadaka]

Great link.I think I will go for that and not mess around on ebay trying to mash something together!

Thanks for all the advice and guidance I will let you know how the work comes out!

Cheers