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?

wrote in message
...
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?

brass or half-hard copper might do what you want.

Tom Dacon

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?

Are you constantly flexing it?

Wes

On Jan 17, 10:56*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.

Have you considered a gooseneck (metal spiral tube)
like used in lamps?

whit3rd wrote:
On Jan 17, 10:56 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.

Have you considered a gooseneck (metal spiral tube)
like used in lamps?

Or:
http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2131023

--Winston

wrote in message 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?


1/16 5356 tig rod should be good. It is work hardening.....

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

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.

"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

"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.