X-Mozilla-Keys:                                                                                 
Bulent Aliev wrote:

I need four pipes 24 inches long 1.5 inch  ID.
There should be a 180 degree bend on one end with about
a 4 inch radius. On the other end I need a short curved
section with about another 4 inch radius.

I am getting ready to forget it and have it welded up
out of aluminum tubing :-)

Paul Lamar

I just had a long conversation with a friend of mine that manufactures and builds
aluminum tuna towers for fishing boats. He does not think that you can bend aluminum
tubing that tight 180 degree, without  custom made mandrel or heat. He thinks that the
outside radius will have to stretch too much and the inside of the bend will have to
compress. That most likely will damage the tubing. His machine can do 90 degree bends.
If the numbers were enough I am sure someone can get the tooling together to do it at
the right price.
Bulent

PowerSport has it done somewhere. Burns (see their web site link on the
ACRE 
NL web site) may sell 180's I have not checked lately. One can always 
weld up two 90's.
 
I am thinking of investing in a heli arc welder. I have not done it
for thirty years however. Might take me awhile to get proficient
on aluminum.

Paul Lamar
 
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