polkat Posted February 12, 2012 Report Share Posted February 12, 2012 I've been asking about this a few times. Built it this morning. Used a 4" piece of pipe squished down to an oval of about 3-1/2". There is still enough air flowing through it that I can plug the igniter directly into the wall and get a very nice temp across the bending area. In the pic is a set of ribs for a Chanot style (cornerless) violin that I bent this afternoon with no problems. Thanks to all for the advice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Morritz Posted February 12, 2012 Report Share Posted February 12, 2012 I really like the console tv work bench! Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evan Smith Posted February 12, 2012 Report Share Posted February 12, 2012 Nice Iron ! Nice ribs ! Didn't I see that TV in leave it to beaver? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott S Posted February 12, 2012 Report Share Posted February 12, 2012 Is that a water heater element? What voltage and watts is it? What type of metal is your pipe? Scott Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addie Posted February 12, 2012 Report Share Posted February 12, 2012 Now that you've made it, can you describe the components and process? I'm not a maker, but I've replaced linings, cold bent. It might be nice to try the hot method. Or did I miss it in another topic? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintjohnbarleycorn Posted February 12, 2012 Report Share Posted February 12, 2012 good idea, looks like a heating element to a broiler, or rotisserie, a hot water won't work unless in water, it will burn out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
polkat Posted February 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 12, 2012 Well, I planned this thing to be a bit more elaborate, but didn't need to go that far. The pipe is aluminum (I think), 1/8" thick walls, originally 4" wide (OD) but squished down to about 3-1/2". I actually found it on the street! I think it's some kind of ducting pipe. It's mounted to a 2x4 board (which I clamp to the TV) with threaded rod. The heating element is a electric barbecue charcoal igniter, 120 vac-550 watts (Kmart or Walmart for about $10). The pipe size makes tight bends like on C bouts a bit hard to do, but I have a smaller pipe that clips inside and sticks out the front for that. The elements are not squeezed together and the heater is held in the back with a small bolt (visable at the top/back of the pipe. The element sides just clear the pipe and do not touch it. I tried it with plans to add a dimmer to control the temp range, but found that the pipe was big enough to pass enough air so that the heater provides just the right heat without a dimmer (but you don't want to sit close up right in front of it-unless it's cold outside :-) Yep, that TV has been in my garage since just about when "Leave it to Beaver" originally went off the air. My philosophy: what the heck? If you've got it, use it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott S Posted February 12, 2012 Report Share Posted February 12, 2012 For anyone interested, I found the element at Walmart website for $9.97. Search for Barbecue Electric Charcoal Starter. Scott Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
polkat Posted February 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 12, 2012 Walmart usually has them in the garden department. Kmart also has them, and I believe OSH has them too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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