Bending stainless tube

[prv]

I always like to sail a boat for a season or two to be sure that my ideas for modifications are really necessary.

A sound policy, and one I intend to follow for the most part. There's enough stuff to fix and repair before moving onto modifications. But this one is replacing a previous owner's rather half-arsed modification, all jubilee clips, off-the-shelf parts used backwards, and unfair strain. The core idea is worth keeping.

Pete

 

[Lakesailor]

As Searush says, definitely Stainless. It's the same material as the cockpit rails and coachroof handrails.

See at about 2 mins 06 secs in this video

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[Greenheart]

As Searush says, definitely Stainless.

I never really doubted it - just wondered.

I'm still curious, what the procedure is in a foundry or metalworks, for forming curves in stainless piping without overly stretching one side and cramping/kinking the other. Is it cast that way around some kind of removable template, then plated with the stainless finish?

Presumably not something that can be attempted in the woodshed?

 

[Lakesailor]

It seems to be to do with having the correct sized mandrels to form the bend.

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[PCUK]

We use a manual version of one of those with a ratchet handle. Cost about £500 but it is the correct tool for the job.

 

[fryewe]

SS Tube Bending

One inch - 25 mm - SS tubing can be bent using a homemade plywood jig if the radius is not too small. Sailrite who makes sails and sail kits as well as marine upholstery/dodgers/biminis/ and awnings sells a good book for a few dollars on the subject. In that book is a plan for a plywood jig for bending SS tubing. I used one to bend the frame for a dodger for my boat. Worked quite well for bends up to 90 degrees. Book is not at hand but I can post the title later if there is interest.