Where can I get aluminum bimini poles bent and shipped?
#1
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Where can I get aluminum bimini poles bent and shipped?
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!
Nothing around in my area that does boat work.
Thanks!
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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.
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.
#7
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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
Otherwise try these guys for prebent kits, I've only had good experiences with them.
http://www.sailrite.com/Categories/Frames-Tubing
Last edited by rdoactive; 01-28-2008 at 08:51 AM.
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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.
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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....
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....
Last edited by East Coast B; 01-29-2008 at 07:01 AM. Reason: More info
#10
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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.
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.
Last edited by rdoactive; 01-29-2008 at 10:08 AM.