"Phil Kangas" wrote in message
...

"Calif Bill" wrote in message
wrote in message
On Jan 17, 11:56 am, wrote:
I'm using an 8 inch long and 1/6 inch thick soft
aluminum rod to hold
up a 10 ounce object. When I bend this soft aluminum rod
over time it
becomes weak and eventually breaks. Is there a better
rod solution
than soft aluminum that bends without losing its
strength so fast?

Any solid metal rod is going to eventually work-harden and
break if
bent back and forth, some types faster than others. I'd
suggest
either the wrapped helical goosenecks or various solid
hinged rod
solutions, with or without counterweights. Look at desk
lamps if you
need inspiration. I assume you're moving your "object"
into a
particular position as needed.

Stan

Heat the rod with a torch after a partial bend to remove
the work hardening.



Since when is 'work hardening' always considered reject? As
I stated in
an earlier post 5356 tig rod actually gets harder and
stronger as it gets
flexed in service. I have strips of canoe aluminum you would
swear was
stainless it is so stiff. River boats are made of 5000
series aluminum
to take the abuse of hitting rocks etc. Just my
opinion.......
phil



The river boats are 3/16-1/4 5056 and / or 6061 tempered and they do bend
when the rocks make contact. You home they bend and not cut to keep the
water out. As to bending, they do that. Last repair on the bottom of my
Jetcraft cost $1500. My Mig welder is not powerful enough to do a great
weld on the 3/16 plate in my boat. Linclon 180C.