Bending steel rod without kinks

[Bermblaster]

Does anyone have a cheep solution for bending steel rod without kinking. I want to avoid spending high dollar on a roller. The rod is 1/4 and 1/2 size. The bends are gradual. No real sharp bends. Thanks BERM

 

[rodwerkz]

If it's a fairly large radius bend them over an old car rim. I keep a steel 15" rim for just this purpose. You create a larger radius by moving the piece in relation to the rim. An big tree works easily well but it's hard to mount one to your bench

If you need to create a tighter radius bend it over a pipe or log of similar diameter. Smashing it with a rubber mallet over the piece works well too.

 

[HighOctane]

Ya I would say to find something round about the size you want it heat it up and hammer it around.

 

[JFSmith]

Make a bending jig on a piece of wood and metal posts, then heat the rod up and bend it around posts and you should get a nice bend if you go slow.

Jerry