TECH: twist square stock

Originally Posted by flatblack34

those downtubes are wild..

+1 on the downtubes

I went to the swap meet, got some big crescent wrenches and welded some half inch round stock to the head to make twisting wrenches. It worked good and was quickly adjustable to most of the stock you would want to bend.

Thanks for the comments on the down tubes, I have the other set ready to go I just don't know what they are worth. I was going to make another twisted bike but I don't want to get onto a rut...... so something completely different next time. they a twisted the as close to opposite of each other so they mirror each other.

How long will one of those small mapp gas torches last before you need another bottle?

not very long lol. couple more tips... if you're not heating the square stock, you can slide a close fitting piece of round pipe over it leaving the end hanging out for twisting, that helps to keep it straight.

Also, I have to twist 2" x 3" hollow square tubing once in a while at work. To keep the tubing from distorting, I weld a plate to one end, pack it full as tight as I can with fine steel shot, or sand will work as long as its not damp. weld another cap on the other end and start heating and twisting. The steel shot packed in there keeps the tubing from caving in. Silica sand doesnt work out so well lol. Brain fart the first time i tried it years ago, twisted ok but pretty much melted the sand into a solid piece of glass.

I did read on another post about someone using damp sand for this, and it pretty much acts like a pipe bomb once the moisture turns to steam inside...

I'm in the process of building one of these for solid stuff...

http://www.metalcraftusa.com/twisters.html

Those down tubes are amazing!!!

AWWWWW YEEEAAAAHHH

you can also find a lot of info for twisting square stock on you tube. i plan on making a tool for twisting solid stock myself also if you want to twist tube you might want to try filling it up with black beauty instead of sand

these look great. +1 on welding a handle to the metal, it makes it a little easier to keep it straight. also just a warning i've seen these twists snap pretty easily so be careful what you us the twisted metal for

hi can you make me two twisted 40'' x 3/4 sq for a springer front legs for me. how much will that cost me thanks

No doubt. i've always welded a piece of tubing to the end of it for a handle. i'l have to try the tap handle. Great Idea

t handle is a greay idea gonna rock this one out tonight

I got a friend that does this too....it's awesome!