The problem with the arbor press is that the ram will get in the way of
putting the second bend in the C-shape. The problem with heating it is
that titanium is reactive and changes color when heated and I will be
wanting to control the final color after the pieces are shaped. But I
can abrade the unwanted oxidation off, so I'll give that a try. I think
I will take your idea but modify a vise with three round pins, two on
one side and one centered between them on the other, and use the screw
to press the heated rod into shape. Thanks. That and Wayne's suggestion
of heating it were what I needed to start me thinking creatively about
this. Guess I got to go out and buy a heavier vise now and give it a
try.