How do I flange tubing?

[Peekster]

Just wondering what you guys use to make a flange on tubing like the end of the forks. What do you use to keep it centered?

 

[jeep2003]

i was gonna ask the same question. Wonder how the manufacturers did it. anybody know what the press dies look like? Maby just a u shaped block . leave the legs long so it doesnt slip out then cut it off after :shrug:

 

[rudedog]

I've seen guys use the end of an anvil and a torch

 

[oldfatguy]

do you mean the end that is flattened for the axle ? that could be done in a hydraulic press with a simple die. it could also be done blacksmith style.
Another way is to make a flat metal part that can be pushed into the tubing and welded to the end

 

[Bonanza Bryan]

PM ScooterBoy he'll know.

 

[toomanytoys]

with a tubing flanger! DUH!

 

[oldfatguy]

Tube flattening options include flatten and forming a tube or you can choose a bend and flatten or flatten, bend and concave the tube end.

 

[mmisterbungl]

apparently YH knows as well, might ask him:shrug:

http://www.oldminibikes.com/forum/general-minibike-talk/45683-ruttman-re-do.html#post324255

 

[jeep2003]

I was experimenting today and I figured it out. Ill post pics in a bit.

 

[jeep2003]

Right here it is. Found a piece of scrap metal in my pile with a hole in the middle of it. Perfect 7/8 round. I cut in in half and Voila! A set of dies. Cruched a bit of pipe in the press and bam. As you can see in the pics its not perfect but i wasnt trying very hard :laugh: Plus its 1" tube so its a bit off in that reguard aswell. I put some vice grips around the pipe just above the flange to keep it round. I have no idea of the thickness of that piece of pipe but it seems to be effective. Pretty cool if i do say so myself :biggrin:

 

[Peekster]

Looks good Do you have a pic of the plates on the pipe while you do it.Thanks