SRB alloy parts
Status: How To Guide
Date: 27-Jan-2013
Comments: 15
I've been working on the Ranger chassis over last few days was on the look out for new alloy parts when i remembered i had bought a small bore pipe bender. I just wanted to show you how i have made my own parts if anyone is interested.
Parts you'll need:
Pipe bender 3/4/6mm diameter
Tape measure
Aluminium rod, 6mm
Mini pipe cutter
Pen and paper
First measure the width of the part, (i found it easier drawing the lines on paper so i could then mark the alloy rod). With the bender i needed to mark lines 15mm inside the total width, this was then transferred over to the rod so i knew where to bend. I took me less than half an hour.
I've made the rear cage too. I've ordered some low temperature melting alloy rods to braze the parts together.
All i need to do is sweet talk my brother (has his own engineering firm!) into making a small jig so i can drill parallel holes to fix it all together with. Have a go it was easier than i thought. Remember, measure twice, cut once!! lol
Update:
For those of you wondering where to get the bender Google '3/4/6mm pipe bender', i think they are used for copper brake lines for cars.
Update 2:
Used the clamps today and they worked great, make sure when drilling alloy that you have sharp drills! My alloy brazing rods turned up today so when i've bent and cut the rest of the parts i'll also update how that goes.
If you liked those pictures, you should see these...
Another project part 2!
Comments
mongoose1983
top work mate.
TWINSET
Great bit of kit - mine only does 'plumbing' bends
Where'd you get this?
ducatikid
Hi Twinset, type in 3/4/6mm pipe bender, they start at around £8, the pipe cutter was £3.50 and the aluminium was around the same.
SRB Bloke
Nice work indeed.. Where you'd get the pipe bender ?
ducatikid
Can't remember, I've had it a few years. There are loads on the net. The aluminium was from B&Q as was the tube cutter.
KEV THE REV
cool , where did you get the small bender from , I have 6/8/10mm but could use the smaller one
ducatikid
Hi Kev, try [Click here]
steve3smart
Nicely done. That fitted roll bar looks great.
SteveAdair
WOW! What a great tip. Many thanks for this. The finished product looks great too!
ruebiracer
Like it! Clever idea with the brake pipe bender.
Did you warm up the alloy before bending? For sure some good alloy is needed, as you explained!
ducatikid
I popped in to see my brother, he's made me a drilling guide which clamps round the tube. I'll add some pictures tomorrow. I didn't warm the aluminium, just bent it cold.
skywhelp
Nice one I had been thinking about it a while just no got around to it yet. You made it seem like a doddle, I did a front and rear for my SS out of steel. Drilling free hand was scary, a jig sounds good.
smegs
Nice very good job.
Dirt-540
Most appreciated ducatikid, just bought one off fleecebay. Been doing a little fabrication myself of late when time is spare. I assume you use modellers aluminium rod? Cheers
ducatikid
Hiya, i bought the aluminium from B&Q, think it's £3.84 or thereabouts.
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