Cerrobend!

[aqualung]

the address for that stuff?)

Ebay, there's some deals this week.

[Rick Denney]

I've never used it, but I seem to recall that it melts at below the boiling point of water. If so, buy a cheap double-boiler and devote it to Cerrobend. Boil water in the bottom pot, and melt the Cerrobend in the top pot. The lid will help keep an even temperature in the top pot.

Double-boilers were designed for cooking foods that are ruined if they are cooked on a surface that is much hotter than the boiling point of water.

Again, this is a theory. I've not used the stuff.

Rick "where is Chuck G when we need him?" Denney

[Ken Herrick]

You got it in 1 Rick,

From the maker's site:
"In using Cerrobend for bending metal tubing, the alloy should be placed in a clean stainless steel pot and put into boiling water. A regular kitchen double-boiler is ideal for small quantities. The water is heated to boiling which completely melts the Cerrobend. Prolonged heating should be avoided. "

http://www.hitechalloys.com/hitechalloys_004.htm" target="_blank" target="_blank

There is more helpful info there and you can order it direct. I recommend you read the info they offer before use as how it is done will effect performance.

Cost for small quanities about $20/lb.

[Daniel C. Oberloh]

A stainless steel vessel in a crock pot (double boiler) works great. Don't overheat, pour at roughly 180o F (no more) and cool completely for a good 30 minutes in a cold water bath. Don't air cool as it will be harder and more brittle; You don't want it to fracture in the tube during bending as this will result in ruining the part.

Daniel C. Oberloh
Oberloh Woodwind and Brass Works
http://www.oberloh.com" target="_blank

[SousaSaver]

A stainless steel vessel in a crock pot (double boiler) works great. Don't overheat, pour at roughly 180o F (no more) and cool completely for a good 30 minutes in a cold water bath. Don't air cool as it will be harder and more brittle; You don't want it to fracture in the tube during bending as this will result in ruining the part.

Daniel C. Oberloh
Oberloh Woodwind and Brass Works
http://www.oberloh.com" target="_blank" target="_blank

+1

[aqualung]

Anneal only the section where the bend will be. Leave the ends hard.

[Dan Schultz]

..... In annealing the .687" tube, I burned two holes in the first one... :/ ....

Ian... if you're burning holes in brass... you are getting the brass WAAAAAY too hot! Annealing of brass takes place between 650 and 800 degrees.

Also... if you need to make a TIGHT bend in a tube.... just anneal the area of the bend. No need to anneal the entire tube.

[J.c. Sherman]

A stainless steel vessel in a crock pot (double boiler) works great. Don't overheat, pour at roughly 180o F (no more) and cool completely for a good 30 minutes in a cold water bath. Don't air cool as it will be harder and more brittle; You don't want it to fracture in the tube during bending as this will result in ruining the part.

Daniel C. Oberloh
Oberloh Woodwind and Brass Works
http://www.oberloh.com" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank

+1

+2