Bending brass wire

[KeithT]

I am attempting to bend some 1.2mm o/d brass wire to a very precise profile but the wire is very springy and defies my attempts to keep it as I want it.
The intention is to glue it as the “roll” to the edge of a cab so there must not be any flex in it.
Should I anneal it?
Any ideas welcomed, as ever.

 

[phils2um]

Perhaps a silly question. Are you sure it's brass and not phosphor bronze which is by nature very "springy"?

 

[KeithT]

It is K&S Brass Rod according to the label.

Perhaps a silly question. Are you sure it's brass and not phosphor bronze which is by nature very "springy"od

 

[KeithT]

It is K&S Brass Rod according to the label.

This was bent precisely to shape but the moment I release pressure it springs apart.
I slightly over bent the right side purposely but want to avoid that if possible because I find it near impossible to get it accurate.
Maybe I will have better results with copper wire?

 

[phils2um]

Sounds like you need a wire that will yield under a much lower stress than brass will for your application. Since you are trying to follow a fairly gentle bend there is not enough stress to cause permanent deformation in the wire. I suggest that you try some solid copper mains wire of the appropriate size. It should follow your curve much better.

 

[maxi-model]

Might be some useful tips here Working with Brass, Part 2 - Bending Brass - Dug's Tips 14 - Cabaret Mechanical Theatre. Again copper wire may be easier to manipulate to precise curvatures you desire. I use a K&R wire bender myself. Max

 

[dunnyrail]

Definitely use some heat but not quite sure how, probably heat then quench it should soften it but google it.

 

[PhilP]

Yes, do Google to check..

Some metals, you heat and quench. Some you heat and let cool slowly..

Some are softened, and some hardened, by these processes.

I can never remember which.

PhilP.

 

[Rhinochugger]

OK, silly question - why glue brass? If it's brass rod on a brass roof, then solder it.

If it's a plastic roof, why not use Evergreen plastic round strut it's less springy and can be gently warmed for the tighter corners.

(Can't show a piccy of mine, 'cos the piccies are on the PC and I'm playing on the lappy.)

 

[KeithT]

OK, silly question - why glue brass? If it's brass rod on a brass roof, then solder it.

If it's a plastic roof, why not use Evergreen plastic round strut it's less springy and can be gently warmed for the tighter corners.

(Can't show a piccy of mine, 'cos the piccies are on the PC

Not a silly question at all, I had thought about plastic but not seen any and Covid has made it difficult or impossible to visit the appropriate shops.
I will have a ferret online. Thanks.

 

[Rhinochugger]

I will have a ferret online. Thanks.

No, too furry, and they don't stay still - stick with plastic

 

[Paul M]

No, too furry, and they don't stay still - stick with plastic

Yeh stoatly different kettle of fish, yer average ferret

 

[KeithT]

Yeh stoatly different kettle of fish, yer average ferret

Hat, coat, door...

 

[KeithT]

Not a silly question at all, I had thought about plastic but not seen any and Covid has made it difficult or impossible to visit the appropriate shops.
I will have a ferret online. ThanksGood idea.

OK, silly question - why glue brass? If it's brass rod on a brass roof, then solder it.

If it's a plastic roof, why not use Evergreen plastic round strut it's less springy and can be gently warmed for the tighter corners.

(Can't show a piccy of mine, 'cos the piccies are on the PC and I'm playing on the lappy.)

I have ordered someas a trial.

Thanks.
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