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BENDING BRASS TUBING
With just about every model we build, we have a new fuel tank, eachwith its own requirements - most of which involve bending the brass tubingthat comes with the tank. We want the tubing to retain its full diameterin the bend to ease the flow of fuel to the engine. There are a numberof ways to do this without crimping, narrowing, or breaking the tubing.
And just bending it between your fingers AIN'T one of them! The tubingwill invariably narrow dangerously or crimp, after which it is useless.Use one of the below methods, according to your desires and what you haveon hand.
1) Use a piece of 3/32" inch wire or what ever fits - insert the wirein the tube to the point where you want to bend, and bend slightly at theend of the wire; withdraw the wire about 1/16", and repeat as desired.While this doesn't give you a really smooth bend, it will work for smallangles.
2) Weed whacker string, the .080 stuff, can be inserted into the tubebefore bending. As long as the bend isn't too great, the plastic stringcan be removed.
3) A long spring from a cigarette lighter (BIC and several others usethese) can be inserted before bending; removal is easy because the springunwinds as you remove it. This really works! Very tight, over 180 degreebends can be accomplished this way. Note: The BIC springs can also be insertedand LEFT IN flexible tubing when IT tends to narrow or crimp in a tightsituation. While the spring in the tubing does restrict flow a little,it will keep the tube open and reasonably free.
4) Another system involves taping one end of the tubing, filling withwater, taping the water in, and freezing overnight - the ice will keepthe tubing from crimping as you bend it.
5) A similar suggestion (I haven't tried this!) is to tape the tubefilled with SALT before bending. Worth a try!
6) Harry Higley makes the BISO bender - this little tool works OK forshallow bends.
--by Clay Ramskill, 7 Towers RCC, Arlington, Tx.
