Bending Copper Wire and Brass Rod

[Ticonderoga]

Hi all,

Another request for advice. I am looking for a way to make nice smooth curves in copper wire and brass rod. I want to use rod in particular for detailing small pipe lines etc, that go around curved surfaces. In one case I want t put "pipes" around the large missile launchers on my Slava (dia = 16mm)

I know you can buy machines, but they always seem a little expensive and I am not sure how to use them.

Thanks for any help.

[Timmy C]

Have you tried rolling a round cylinder (like a pen) on top of it? Applying varying pressure will result in different amounts of curving.

[wefalck]

Use drills (or drill rods) or any other round object slightly smaller than the final diameter for brass rod. Brass rod normally is slightly springy and will open a bit after bending, so you have to overbend it. In the case of soft copper wire you can use a former of the same diameter or, of course, the curved surface on which the wire will be placed.

wefalck

[Russ2146]

When rolling the rod or wire, with a cylinder of the appropriate diameter, to curve it, try placing the rod/wire on a doubled or tripled up mouse pad. This will hold the wire/rod in place while you roll, as well as provide a soft, but supportive material into which to press the curve.