masonred Posted July 24 Would filling a can with concrete work for a form to bend 1/4 round rods? Possible putting in a piece of steel to hold in a vise. I plan to make some beverage stake holders and possible to hold candles. I've looked for pipe with no luck and don't want to spend money on something to be used half a dozen times, I have some ready mix left over from building fence so no cost there. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dasher Posted July 24 If you are working hot steel, certainly, as long as the can and concrete don't get extremely hot, no probs at all, of course if there is a chance of the concrete getting very hot, be mindful that concrete will spit at you when overheated. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pnut Posted July 24 What about a log with the bark removed? I bend hot steel on wood with no problems so long as you're not planning on making a large amount. It should hold up long enough for five or ten without having to be too long a piece of wood. After each piece I move down to unburned wood. Pnut Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
arftist Posted July 24 Quick answer is yes and it is a pretty good idea but so is wood. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Latticino Posted July 24 Why not just bend it cold. Just 1/4" mild steel rod... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SFC Snuffy Posted July 24 If you make a decent bending jig, you'll find excuses to use it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masonred Posted July 24 Thanks for replies. I have bending forks make from 1/2 round stock that do a great job, but for repeated use a jig will be faster and more uniform. I've got wood patterns that are 20 + years old and might only get occasional use but are so nice when ask to make another rocking horse, stool or steps etc... I'm building up my selection of tools and supplies for forging. I like the saying "it's the carpenter not the tools" however the appropriate tool is helpful. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kozzy Posted July 24 I assume that you're making the kind of drink holders that are sort of a spring shape on top with a spike leg that pokes into the dirt as can be had commercially in a bit of a crappy lightweight version. While you are at it, you can make something similar with only about 1 loop on the "spring" end. Those can sell as flower stakes which hold a tall blooming stalk upright. They work great for big bloom flowers that tend to fall over from the weight. Just an idea to add to your concrete can project. Not much money in them and they usually have to be painted pretty colors but they are fast to make and can add a buck here and there to your wallet...plus make good "cheap" items for people if you ever decide to set up a sale booth at a fair or something. You can up the ante` by attaching leaves or doing a decorative scroll end at the top and such. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
arftist Posted August 3 On 7/24/2019 at 12:54 PM, Latticino said: Why not just bend it cold. Just 1/4" mild steel rod... Usually 1/4" is cold rolled, which is much harder than hot rolled. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masonred Posted August 3 I tried the can this morning and it worked as I had hoped. Thanks again for input. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
