Re: How to bend aluminum tubing?
For small aluminum tubing I've used hand held conduit hickeys. The only problem with them is the radius is small and they can mark up the tube. Getting the right size hickey was a problem too, as marine tube sizing isn't normal with the electrical world. I looked the Harbor Freight benders but the radius was too small for me but they look like a good deal otherwise.<br /><br />For bimini top frames I made a plywood form that is secured to a table. It is 2 layers of 3/4" ply and cut a 1/4 circle to bend around with a keeper at one end to hold it steady. No need to fill the tubing if you have a large radius. <br /><br />On bigger tube I've gone to the local auto muffler shop and paid them peanuts to bend 90s.<br /><br />I think you can be asking for trouble putting a torch to aluminum tube. It will flash melt in a heartbeat and cool so fast you don't have time to bend it. I accidently "puddled" an alum lower unit ONE time and got scared real fast of that method.
