bending stems
- oklahoma red
- Posts: 1084
- Joined: Tue Apr 12, 2011 6:14 pm
bending stems
Has anyone ever tried using a hot sand (glass beads or salt actually) bed to heat a stem for bending?
This is what a lot of eyeglass shops use to heat plastic frames for adjustment.
One would think that it would be a lot less problematic than using heat guns or open flames.
This is what a lot of eyeglass shops use to heat plastic frames for adjustment.
One would think that it would be a lot less problematic than using heat guns or open flames.
Re: bending stems
You can use whatever you want. But I use a candle and it works trouble free on all types of stems if you are even a little careful.
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- baweaverpipes
- The Awesomer
- Posts: 947
- Joined: Tue Dec 19, 2006 8:07 am
- Location: Franklin, Tennessee
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Re: bending stems
Some also use an alcohol burner. I use a heat gun. Heated sand and glass beads take too much time and time is $$$$.
Re: bending stems
In a high production shop, it might make sense. You can pop stems into it and come back later to bend them after working on other tasks. But for onsie-twosies, an alcohol lamp or heat gun will get it done a lot quicker and for a LOT less money.
Kim Kendall
http://www.PenguinBriar.com/
http://www.PenguinBriar.com/
Re: bending stems
I know Mark Tinsky uses one of those optometrist sand boxes. They work fine unless you forget a pipe is in there and the tenon shrinks in the mortise.
Also, you have to make sure all of the little beads are off the stem, lest they leave little dimples in the ebonite from the pressure of your fingers.
I use and recommend a heat gun.
Rad
Also, you have to make sure all of the little beads are off the stem, lest they leave little dimples in the ebonite from the pressure of your fingers.
I use and recommend a heat gun.
Rad
Re: bending stems
I also use a heat gun. Open flame around flamables is not my friend. Some guys like to live on the wild side though.
Re: bending stems
I also use a heat gun.. I used a candle for a while, but prefer the heat gun
james
james
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Re: bending stems
With as few stems as I bend, I use a bic lighter. Haven't tried the heat gun yet.
Pipe Maker in the Making!
Re: bending stems
I use a heat gun.
Dan
Gabrieli Pipes
Dan
Gabrieli Pipes
Re: bending stems
I use a heat gun.
Wow, it almost sounds like heat guns have the vote here.
Wow, it almost sounds like heat guns have the vote here.
Re: bending stems
I've tried a heat gun and a Zippo.
The Zippo is faster and cheaper.
The Zippo is faster and cheaper.
Greetings,
Ramón
_______________________________________________________
There are two things you need to reach happiness and peace: a swiss knife and masking tape
Ramón
_______________________________________________________
There are two things you need to reach happiness and peace: a swiss knife and masking tape
Re: bending stems
To each is own , but I find it hard to believe that a Zippo is faster than a heat gun. Plus there's the soot factor when using a lighter.R.H. wrote:I've tried a heat gun and a Zippo.
The Zippo is faster and cheaper.
It is cheaper though.
Rad
Re: bending stems
To each is own , but I find it hard to believe that a Zippo is faster than a heat gun. Plus there's the soot factor when using a lighter.[/quote]
A heat gun (mine at least) needs 10-15 second to reach the temperature level required, a flame it's hot from the beginning. You can bend a stem in less than 10 seconds with a flame.
A heat gun (mine at least) needs 10-15 second to reach the temperature level required, a flame it's hot from the beginning. You can bend a stem in less than 10 seconds with a flame.
Greetings,
Ramón
_______________________________________________________
There are two things you need to reach happiness and peace: a swiss knife and masking tape
Ramón
_______________________________________________________
There are two things you need to reach happiness and peace: a swiss knife and masking tape
Re: bending stems
A heat gun (mine at least) needs 10-15 second to reach the temperature level required, a flame it's hot from the beginning. You can bend a stem in less than 10 seconds with a flame.[/quote]R.H. wrote:To each is own , but I find it hard to believe that a Zippo is faster than a heat gun. Plus there's the soot factor when using a lighter.
I'd like to see that done.
Rad
Re: bending stems
I did it, but may be you're right, I was talking about an acrylic stem and it was short and thin.RadDavis wrote: I'd like to see that done.
Greetings,
Ramón
_______________________________________________________
There are two things you need to reach happiness and peace: a swiss knife and masking tape
Ramón
_______________________________________________________
There are two things you need to reach happiness and peace: a swiss knife and masking tape
Re: bending stems
I use a candle most of the times, but sometimes just use a normal butane lighter.
Re: bending stems
Candle here! Come on candle guys, can't let the heat gun guys take over!
Re: bending stems
the lower the tech the better.. less equipment failure rate... :pCharl wrote:Candle here! Come on candle guys, can't let the heat gun guys take over!
....now where the heck did i put that candle...
Re: bending stems
Don´t worry, use a Zippo.adryazad wrote:....now where the heck did i put that candle...
Greetings,
Ramón
_______________________________________________________
There are two things you need to reach happiness and peace: a swiss knife and masking tape
Ramón
_______________________________________________________
There are two things you need to reach happiness and peace: a swiss knife and masking tape
Re: bending stems
I use a heat gun. A vice holds it so I have two hands free. Only takes me a few minutes to bend even a thick stem and i like how even and controlled the heating is with little chance of scorching.