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Building Tips and technical articles. => Building techniques => Topic started by: Jerry Reider on December 16, 2011, 08:57:32 PM

Title: Getting the bend in wire where I want it?
Post by: Jerry Reider on December 16, 2011, 08:57:32 PM

I have a K&S Mini Wire Bender.  Any ideas on how to get the bend where I want it.  Example: I just bent 3/32 music wire to tie my flaps together.  I was shooting for 3 15/16" length from 90deg. bend to 90deg. bend.  I ended up with about 3 13/16".  Also, I wanted the first leg to be 1 1/4" long and it ended up 1 1/2" long.  Here's a picture of the bender.   ???

Title: Re: Getting the bend in wire where I want it?
Post by: Jerry Reider on December 16, 2011, 09:38:12 PM

I may have just found the answer.  I put the end of the wire that I will be my finished part on the same side of the bender that the handle is on.  I measured from the center of the first bend to the center of the stationary pin less the diameter of the wire.  It worked, I got exactly 3 15/16" center to center.  Maybe I just got lucky.

Title: Re: Getting the bend in wire where I want it?
Post by: Tim Wescott on December 16, 2011, 10:33:57 PM

I fix that problem by drilling my flaps out after I have the horn made up, and by starting with lots of extra wire and cutting off the excess when I'm done.

It's not the right way, but it's a way that works.

Title: Re: Getting the bend in wire where I want it?
Post by: Douglas Ames on December 19, 2011, 02:28:36 AM

"Bend allowance" - Every Aircraft Mechanic's nemesis. If you master it, you only need to make the part once.
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rL3bjgcLW-4 ...or Google "bend allowance".

Title: Re: Getting the bend in wire where I want it?
Post by: Tim Wescott on December 19, 2011, 09:46:34 AM

Quote from: Douglas Ames on December 19, 2011, 02:28:36 AM

"Bend allowance" - Every Aircraft Mechanic's nemesis.

Isn't that the extra money you allow in your modeling budget to buy more music wire to replace the stuff that didn't come out right?

Title: Re: Getting the bend in wire where I want it?
Post by: phil c on December 19, 2011, 04:18:03 PM

Quote from: Jerry Reider on December 16, 2011, 08:57:32 PM

I have a K&S Mini Wire Bender.  Any ideas on how to get the bend where I want it.  Example: I just bent 3/32 music wire to tie my flaps together.  I was shooting for 3 15/16" length from 90deg. bend to 90deg. bend.  I ended up with about 3 13/16".  Also, I wanted the first leg to be 1 1/4" long and it ended up 1 1/2" long.  Here's a picture of the bender.   ???

simplest thing is to make a test bend and measure how much the wire shortens.  Make the second measurement to the center of the part of the wire going through the horn.  Once you've got that, measure how long the pushrod is supposed to be.  Add twice the shrink from making a bend.

If you're really into tight, accurate controls go with ball rod ends.

Title: Re: Getting the bend in wire where I want it?
Post by: Bob Hudak on December 19, 2011, 06:42:13 PM

Practice bending coat hanger wire then you won't waste the good stuff.

Title: Re: Getting the bend in wire where I want it?
Post by: Jerry Reider on December 20, 2011, 03:12:35 PM

Those are some great ideas.  Thanks.