Scott Kuehn
New member
I was wondering if anyone here has had any experience bending 6061 t6 tubing. I want to rebuild the blind on the BB III during this off season.
Bending 6061 T6 aluminum
- Thread starter Scott Kuehn
- Start date
Jeff Jacobs
Active member
Scott,
6061 would not be the best choice for bending. 7072 would be a better choice. However, there are some things that my allow you to bend 6061.
Here are a few varaiables to consider:
Are you planning on bending square/rectangle tubing or round? Round will bend eaiser, but you'll need to apply heat.
How heavy of wall tubing are you planning on using?
How extreme of an angle do you planning to bend?
Do you have access to a tourch?
As you can see, more questions than answers, but for sure things to consider....
Jeff
6061 would not be the best choice for bending. 7072 would be a better choice. However, there are some things that my allow you to bend 6061.
Here are a few varaiables to consider:
Are you planning on bending square/rectangle tubing or round? Round will bend eaiser, but you'll need to apply heat.
How heavy of wall tubing are you planning on using?
How extreme of an angle do you planning to bend?
Do you have access to a tourch?
As you can see, more questions than answers, but for sure things to consider....
Jeff
Pete McMiller
Well-known member
Scott,
6061 T6 is very strong but it is not very malleable and will crack when bent. In addition to the material Jeff recommended you can also use 5052 as it is a much better choice for an aluminum that needs to be worked. If all you have is 6061, by all means try it with heat and see what happens.
6061 T6 is very strong but it is not very malleable and will crack when bent. In addition to the material Jeff recommended you can also use 5052 as it is a much better choice for an aluminum that needs to be worked. If all you have is 6061, by all means try it with heat and see what happens.
Scott Kuehn
New member
I have read a little about bending 6061 t6 and there seems to be alot of differing opinions. I think another option is 6063.......which bends better and will "age" to 6061 strength.
I need to be able to bend it to a 90 but probably at a 3 or 4 inch diameter circumference. I do have access to a OA torch and 7/8 OD but not sure of the wall needed for the blind yet.
I need to be able to bend it to a 90 but probably at a 3 or 4 inch diameter circumference. I do have access to a OA torch and 7/8 OD but not sure of the wall needed for the blind yet.
Phil Nowack
Well-known member
Without knowing what you are making for a blind... I can tell you that I used "KeyKlamps" to make my blind for my Honker.
Hitch
Well-known member
I agree with Pete. You can bend 6061-T6 but you need to at least have an inside bend radius of 2X the material thickness (1X the thickness for 5052-H32). Stay away from 7075 and 2024 or anything similar. They corrode in a marine environement.
Bending tubing - you'll need a mandrel bender regardless, and the radius will be a function of OD and wall thickness. 5052 would be a much better choice.
Hitch
Bending tubing - you'll need a mandrel bender regardless, and the radius will be a function of OD and wall thickness. 5052 would be a much better choice.
Hitch
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