Bending 304 or 316 rod

[Mark Nelson]

Have any of you done any bending of 304 or 316 soild rod. 3/8 or 1/2 inch or so. I was wondering if anyone had a pipe bender they could recommend. Also would there be any problems in heating the rod up in order to bend it. Problems with the finish and\or strength? While I am at it any tips on welding this stuff. I have a cheapo stick welder and have done just a bit of welding with it so any imput would be welcome also. I am willing to get a new welder if I have to so go ahead and throw that out there also. I know this isn't exactly knife related but I may be making a few Sai for a martial arts school and I have no experence with 304 or 316. Thanks everyone.

 

[mete]

The best bender would be the ones they have for bending rebar. If it's annealed you shouldn't have to heat it but heating would be no problem.Welding 304 with stick is not the easiest but can be done.

 

[Mark Nelson]

Thanks for the info mete.

 

[george tichbourne]

Welding 300 series stainless is not problem with the use of proper stainless grade welding rod, usually an enhanced 308 material for 304 or 316. I use a stick welder all the time but when I weld 300 series only stainless rod works due to the difference in shrinkage rates of carbon and stainless materials.

 

[Mark Nelson]

Thank you Mr.Tichbourne. I am sure that you just saved me more then a little pain. I would have fumbled and then been right back here asking again.

 

[insanity]

Harbor freight has a compact bender that actually works fairly well and isn't very expensive. It might not actually be rated for 1/2 stainless, but it should do it. Or a simple bending jig is easy to weld up. You can use two pieces of 1" round stock welded vertically between two pieces of angle iron with a space a little widder than the diameter of the piece to be bent. The whole thing can then be put in a vise. Hopefully that made some sense.


WS