East Coast B

Anyone know of a place that can bend aluminum poles for a bimini top and send them to me?

Nothing around in my area that does boat work.

Thanks!

BadDog

If you need something simple or it has to be local try an awning shop.

superwrench0166

try a comercial Electric Contractor

US1 Fountain

Get you a conduit bender from your local hardware shop. Order the alum tubes from McMaster-Carr. Bend till you hearts content.

East Coast B

I thought about getting a bender, would would just fine on the top corner bends, but wasn't sure if it would work for doing the arc across the top. Anyone have experience bending in the arc with a conduit bender?

Also, for a 6' span, how many inches should I arc up. I was thinking 6" as I only have maybe 2" now. I get some puddling due to not enough arc pulling the top tight.

East Coast B

What tool is used to crimp the end of a pole so it fits into another pole of same size?

rdoactive

Try looking up Awning makers in your yellow pages.
Otherwise try these guys for prebent kits, I've only had good experiences with them.
http://www.sailrite.com/Categories/Frames-Tubing

sunchaser796

Try contacting an outfit that does towers on boats. They have all types of mandrels for bending aluminum. IF ITS NOT BENT PROPERLY, IT WILL SHOW STRESS CRACKS.

East Coast B

Found the crimper http://www.sailrite.com/Categories/Tools

and did locate a bender for 7/8" at a local place. It's about 3' long and I imagine should do the job easily. I've bent smaller stuff, but nothing of this diameter.

Just have to check into tubing, what thickness do I need? Also have to check if this is anodized.. Anything else I should know? Guess the thicker the better....
http://www.outdoortextiles.com/brows...atID=72&page=1

I'll give sailrite a call also, I'm still concerned about the arc as that is really the only thing I want to increase from my current configuration....

rdoactive

The long arcs are done by a 3 wheel roller tool. They're about $700. You can make pretty good arcs in aluminum and S/S by hand and use a conduit bender for the tighter angles.
Aluminum kinks pretty easy and you only get one bend, re-bending or unbending esults in cracks. So use a pattern or jig to get your shape correct on the first shot.