Arts >> Art >> Sculpture

How to Bend Hard Tubing

Hard metal tubing can be bent into various shapes for metal sculpture and other artistic and decorative purposes. This is typically accomplished by heating the tube and bending it around a table edge, metal pole or purpose-built rig. Methylacetylene-propadiene propane, or MAPP gas, is often used for this method, but with most metals, an oxy-propane touch will burn hot enough to be able to flex the tubing. Acetylene torches may be necessary for the hardest of metal tubing, such as steel.

Things You'll Need

  • Metal table
  • Vice
  • Tubing
  • Heat-resistant gloves
  • Face shield
  • Apron
  • Steel-toe shoes
  • Torch
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Ensure that your metal table is bolted to the floor, or well secured. Most metalsmith shops will have a table prepared in this manner already. Screw or tighten a vice onto one side of the table.

    • 2

      Line the bend point up with the edge of the table and place the tubing in the vice. Tighten the vice to secure the tubing.

    • 3

      Put on all safety equipment, including heat-resistant gloves, face shield, apron and steel-toe shoes. Light your torch in the manner appropriate for your fuel source. This usually involves opening a valve on the fuel tank and using an igniter.

    • 4

      Hold the torch near the tubing, and heat it all the way around until the entire area of the tubing begins to look orange.

    • 5

      Grip the pipe an arm's length away from the bend point, off of the table. Carefully press down on the pipe. Keep the heat on the metal and bend until the correct angle bend has been made.

    • 6

      Extinguish the flame on the torch and allow the metal to cool before moving.

Sculpture

Related Categories