Stem bending methods

[lancefisher51]

Running under the cold water right away won't crack the volcanite?

Lance

[E.L.Cooley]

I've used hot water, with a cleaner. The cleaner makes a nice handle. But, I'm over scrubbing oxidation so I'll be looking for a gas lamp. Anyone willing to throw up a pic of one they like? Always right to cold water to set.


Sent from my banana phone.

[d.huber]

Here's a good way to heat a stem:



Just keep the stem in motion over the flame so the heat doesn't concentrate too much in one spot. Heat until pliable. Bend.

[andrew]

Rad might be right, but there's no need to say it publically.

andrew

[andrew]

I never use a pipe cleaner. I blow through the stem to set the bend.

andrew

[d.huber]

I never use a pipe cleaner. I blow through the stem to set the bend.

andrew

Winner winner chicken dinner.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

[mcgregorpipes]

Running under the cold water right away won't crack the volcanite?

Lance

I usually stick them in the snow

[E.L.Cooley]

Oh got pounded with the white stuff yesterday. Will spring ever come?
Well I guess if you're in Manitoba, I'll quit crying about 6-8" (15-22cm)


Sent from my banana phone.

[wisemanpipes]

I never use a pipe cleaner. I blow through the stem to set the bend.

andrew

I use a zippo or a alcohol lamp mainly because I hate dragging out the heat gun.

low and slow with no pipe cleaner. I dip my hands in ice water while im adjusting the bend but Andrew has it right, blow through to set it completely.

[mightysmurf8201]

I usually stick them in the snow

I did this on a stem last month. Worked great

[E.L.Cooley]

Well bent my first couple of stems with a candle instead of hot water. Why would anyone use hot water. Thanks to all of you I will not be doing that again. Candles much better.


Sent from my banana phone.

[sandahlpipe]

I use a heat gun and set the bend with a spray bottle which I use for wet sanding. Definitely keep it moving. Occasionally, I will step outside and use the snow if my spray bottle was left in the shop and becomes ice.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[pipedreamer]

On all real stems I use the standard ways, mostly heat gun on high.BUT! on acrylic I place the stem in a pyrex dish and cover with non-iodized salt.Then I bake at 350 for 12 to 15 min.Gives a more uniform bend,and use a pipe cleaner.You can shape the stem any way you want.You have to be gentle, this works real well.

[oklahoma red]

On all real stems I use the standard ways, mostly heat gun on high.BUT! on acrylic I place the stem in a pyrex dish and cover with non-iodized salt.Then I bake at 350 for 12 to 15 min.Gives a more uniform bend,and use a pipe cleaner.You can shape the stem any way you want.You have to be gentle, this works real well.

That's the way optometrists bend the ear pieces on glasses. Hot sand or hot salt.
Chas.

[Ratimus]

I've been using steam from a tea kettle. Steam is much hotter than boiling water, but it still doesn't scorch or leave junk on the ebonite.

[Ratimus]

Come to think of it, is there any reason I shouldn't be doing this? Steam changing the dimensions of the mortise or something?

[caskwith]

I take mine to bed with me at night, they go in between my hot water bottle and teddy, when I wake up in the morning they are at the perfect temperature for bending.

Teddy supervises.

[E.L.Cooley]

I take mine to bed with me at night, they go in between my hot water bottle and teddy, when I wake up in the morning they are at the perfect temperature for bending.

Teddy supervises.

Now this is the method I will adopt from here on. Thank you for being will to expose a little of your proprietary process. I can't express enough my gratitude.


Sent from my banana phone.

[oklahoma red]

I take mine to bed with me at night, they go in between my hot water bottle and teddy, when I wake up in the morning they are at the perfect temperature for bending.

Teddy supervises.

TMI!!!!
Chas.

[socrates]

I taught my wife to bend with boiling water taken off the heat. Think I'll buy her a heat gun. Before anyone laughs I ask her to help as a way of getting involved. This makes it easier when I ask for tools and supplies. I can't drive or barely travel so it's great having her involved. OK now laugh if you want. LOL!

Sent from my HTC0P3P7 using Tapatalk