the bear

Hallo mede Grofsmede, The bending of pipes or tubing is something which comes up in my work from time to time and although I am aware of the traditional methods(filling tubes with lead or sand or freezing water in them and then bending cold) I would like to know if any one has as yet come up with a home built pipe bending machine. I was a guest at Kevin O'Donnels Place the other day where he very kindly did some bending for me that i needed done on a very heavy duty tool which had a round table of 16mm steel concreted into the floor and uses old pipe flanges for dies.Pretty impessive and typically Kevin.Nicest guy I met in a long time. This got me thinking about some alternatives and the ways and means of building something like this.I still need to go to some commercial outlets who sell these things and "steal with the eyes" as it were. However i will probably find a colleague somewhere who has already been there and done that, which is the reason for this post. Presently I am working on a four poster bed which requires some forming of tubes and this is what got my interest going in the first place. Anybody out there who can assist? Blacksmiths greetings Hermann (The Bear) Slaat die yster terwyl hy warm is!!!

Hallo Blackbeard, I would like to take you up on your offer for plans for a power hammer. When I set up my forge 4 years ago I left a 2 sq meter space in the concrete floor for the express purpose of a foundation for the power hammer when the time comes.I think the time is now close by. So please indulge me and post or forward those plans to me soonest. I work under a roof for my hot work as i designed the forge with semi walls of about 1,8 meters and flaps (50cm x 2m)that can be opened on top..This allows ventilation of the coal forge area and also dissipates the heat.In winter I can close the flaps and keep out the cold.It also provides enough shadow to recognise colour.I painted the total inside area black which also helps a lot. My work table is outside in the sunlight because that is where I set up and draw chalk patterns,plans etc.I also have enclosed work shops where i can safely store machinery and do grinding work and the like.I do however find that I am running out of space so extensions are on the cards. Whenever I am in your vicinity again I'll be sure to pop around.Hope old Wim gets that address list up and running soon. Blacksmiths greetings Hermann (the bear) ursus.forge@megasurfwifi.co.za