1/8” Bendable Stainless Rod

[Captain Spaulding]

I’m making some bird traps, and need some 1/8” diameter shafts. Based on how previous versions held up, I’d like to go with stainless. Need to be able to make 90 degree bends as well as a 2” radius U shape.

Kind of thinking TIG rods would be my cheapest option. Being as I’ve never TIG welded, I don’t know if they will bend like I need, and I doubt a shop will appreciate my bending a rod to give it a try.

Good idea?

 

[TLGriff]

A 2" radius can be easily bent around a form with 1/8" wire. You will have to use a form that is slightly smaller to allow for spring back. The 90º bends can be made by hammering them over in a vise, or with one of the inexpensive wire benders that mount in a vise.

Tom

 

[manwithtools]

Tig rod will bend just fine. Pick the grade based on your desired corrosion resistance.

 

[SlappyWhite]

How long do they need to be and do they actually need to be 1/8"??

14 Gauge (2 mm) stainless bicycle spokes are cheap and easy to get. Obviously 1/14th of an inch... so they are thinner and common lengths will be under 12 inches. Make sure to get straight gauge and not butted (which are thinner in the middle).

 

[thejimmy]

I’m making some bird traps, and need some 1/8” diameter shafts.

Good idea?

Yes, as stated they will bend easily, 308 is what you want and will be the least $$
Got any photos of what you're building, sounds interesting.

 

[Captain Spaulding]

Yes, as stated they will bend easily, 308 is what you want and will be the least $$
Got any photos of what you're building, sounds interesting.

Duplicating one of these. https://trapperman.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/4667042/Havahart_Sparrow_Trap_-_pics

English House Sparrows are an invasive species that devastate native bird nests and make a mess out of farm buildings. Bonus is when you get rid of them you see a lot more native birds. I’ve dispatched as many as 244 in a year. The live trap allows you to release any good birds you might trap accidentally, but sparrows are strongly attracted to cheap bird food with millet and cracked corn, so you rarely catch anything else if you use it as bait.

 

[BD1]

A 1/4'' copper tubing bender will work great if you want be fancy with your bends. OR just make a bending jig. 1/8'' SS tig rod is great for bending .
They do sell SS hardware cloth too if you want to get fancy.

 

[Monza Harry]

I have one of these "Rod Benders":https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=989441&stc=1&d=1584818992
It works very well for a cheap little gadget and there is a "Jumbo Rod Bender" this would make short/professional looking job of this. Harry

 

[TheEquineFencer]

Duplicating one of these. https://trapperman.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/4667042/Havahart_Sparrow_Trap_-_pics

English House Sparrows are an invasive species that devastate native bird nests and make a mess out of farm buildings. Bonus is when you get rid of them you see a lot more native birds. I’ve dispatched as many as 244 in a year. The live trap allows you to release any good birds you might trap accidentally, but sparrows are strongly attracted to cheap bird food with millet and cracked corn, so you rarely catch anything else if you use it as bait.

Do you have better pictures of how the trap works? This looks interesting. I like building traps but for different prey.

 

[TheEquineFencer]

FWIW, here's one with no bending required.

I'm glad you posted, I may build one at some point and scale it a little differently for a different "bird"...

https://www.google.com/search?q=bui...me&ie=UTF-8#kpvalbx=_7xV3Xte1Os2k_QaCz7SYAQ42