Straightening a Bronze Rudder Shaft

[MYStargazer]

Reading the thread on straightening stainless reminded me that one of my rudders needs straightening (I must have bent it hitting a cill on a French lock while reversing).

Anyone know if bending a solid bronze rod would involve similar processes?

 

[vyv_cox]

Bronze works hardens considerably less than stainless steel does and if it's a solid bar there is no risk of kinking. I would do it cold. Ideally using a pipe bender but no doubt you could rig up something else on the same principle, support at two points away from the bend then push at the bend itself.

 

[MYStargazer]

Thanks for that.

Now to rig up a jig to bend it back to match the other one. I have some scaffold poles and a couple of car jacks to hand...

...or does your average metalworky place have the equipment to do this? The shaft is about an inch in diameter...

 

[Tranona]

Yes. Not a difficult job. my rudder shaft (1" 316) distorted when the tangs were welded on. Rested in 2 v blocks and a hydraulic press took the bend out easily. Bronze should be straightforward.

 

[davidej]

Thanks for that.

Now to rig up a jig to bend it back to match the other one. I have some scaffold poles and a couple of car jacks to hand...

...or does your average metalworky place have the equipment to do this? The shaft is about an inch in diameter...

Our local engineer/fabricator has a heavy duty hydraulic pipe bender which can be used to straighten - he did so to a bent stanchion of mine.

I imagine this is a fairly standard bit of kit.