So, I have a bimini frame that is a PITA in that I have to unpin it and swing it forward every time I want access to my aft cockpit wing lockers. I've put up with it for eleven years, but now it's time for a modification. After calling four stainless steel guys in the last few years, none of whom ever called back or showed up, I decided to DYI. I got a tube cutter and a 1" mild steel tube to make a template for an S bend. Then I found out I couldn't rent a tube bender, so I got one at ACE for forty-ish dollars. My wife and I determined the general shape and I bent it. I overdid one and made another.
I measured the length I would lose on each leg after the bend (2 3/4 inches), so I got some 1" and 7/8" stainless used stock and made two sleeved extensions. Everything seemed to work out well, until:
I then went to bend the stainless. Well, that was way harder than the tubing I used for the template. After the first bend, I found it had kinked instead of following the die form. So, I cut off the bimini legs and sleeved them back in until I have two new legs made to spec with the S bend. It's a lot easier to get done when you take the stuff in to a shop rather than getting them out to you.
So, I learned seamless one inch stainless requires a lot more power than a store brought bender is likely to give. The unit at the shop is hydraulic. Second, after going through three cutting wheels, I figured stainless cutting is only good for two cuts before replacing the wheel.
Finally, I learned not everything can be DYI and I should have just kept on calling to get someone out. But, now I have a nifty new tube cutter and bender.... that I'll probably never use again.
I measured the length I would lose on each leg after the bend (2 3/4 inches), so I got some 1" and 7/8" stainless used stock and made two sleeved extensions. Everything seemed to work out well, until:
I then went to bend the stainless. Well, that was way harder than the tubing I used for the template. After the first bend, I found it had kinked instead of following the die form. So, I cut off the bimini legs and sleeved them back in until I have two new legs made to spec with the S bend. It's a lot easier to get done when you take the stuff in to a shop rather than getting them out to you.
So, I learned seamless one inch stainless requires a lot more power than a store brought bender is likely to give. The unit at the shop is hydraulic. Second, after going through three cutting wheels, I figured stainless cutting is only good for two cuts before replacing the wheel.
Finally, I learned not everything can be DYI and I should have just kept on calling to get someone out. But, now I have a nifty new tube cutter and bender.... that I'll probably never use again.
