On 9 Apr 2005 10:24:49 -0700, "mclorson"
wrote:

Hello! I am an amateur sculptor (beginner) that is using 1/4" mild
steel rods as my medium to practice with. Eventually I want to
re-create my works in stainlees steel. Presently, I use an oxy/acet
torch to heat the metal then bend it, twist it or put hard bends in it
while applying heat and holding it in the vise. Occasionally I'll get a
flat area or bump in my longer arcs/curves that is difficult to
compensate for if it happens in the wrong spot. I also want to retain
the inegrity of the rod without deforming it.
I've tried a Harbor Freight Hossfeld style bender that was too complex
and couldn't perform the long graceful arcs I desired without causing
flat spots. I know it takes practice, and I'm not adverse to that. (No
Kung Fu "Grasshopper" jokes please.) I am just looking to shorten my
learning curve by gaining knowledge of resources, books, methods, etc.
I also realize that stainless steel rods are likely to have different
bending properties than mild steel.
My workshop is quite austere with only a vise, hand tools, and a gas
torch. Any suggestions on bending these arcs or resources to help me
self inform? Thanks, Mike in St. louis


Check out the wings on my butterfly which are 3/8" Dia. and in the
2000 drop box under ma-BF. I did those by hand and foot without any
heat. Before I started thought there is no way I'm going to be
satisfied and to my amazement they came out perfect.

Maybe it is from all those curves in swimming pools. Whatever is
cheaper cold vs. hot rolled is what they are. Sorry for the night
picture, that thing is really hard to get on film.

One of these days I need to make some more for fun. The BF was the
last one , I guess I stopped cause they started getting too big and I
might end up like those people with acres of them.