Hey everyone. I have a bit of a different way from the normal on how to lay out and cut mandrel u-bends. I realize there are many different ways of doing this, but I find this the cleanest and easiest way for me to do it. Please enjoy
I'll be fabricating the exhaust soon and will definitely be using some of your info. Thanks for taking the time to post this!
i have allways traced them on cardboard and cut em out ,, works every time lay it back on the pipe and mark your cuts ,,, really helps you visualize it ., yes ziptie for marking your on your bends ,, on straits i learned a trick from my dad decades ago,, use 1 1/2 " tape wrap it around the pipe once sticky side out ,, then you can place the pipe where you want and slide the tape tube up the pipe to make your mark and stick it in position with a lil more tape ,, believe me it's way more accurate than a tape measure ,, and end angle adjustments can me made with avation snips easily ,, smiles for miles fabricator john miss you dad
I like seeing how the other guy does things, there is always something to take away. I'll have to try the zip tie idea.
I like the zip tie idea. As for the clamps, I have my own system using stainless hose clamps with 3 holes drilled. Thanks for posting.
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to watch the video and comment! I truly appreciate the feedback and how well this was recepted!
Exhaust is one thing that I have left. Thanks for the tips. Never thought to use a zip tie. Way easier than trying to tape straight. Marty great tip on clamps. I have a bunch of those hose clamps...
husseyrj did a tech week exhaust method on the HAMB once and it's the best method I have used and liked many times. But this is another method so it will work also.
Here is a link to that thread https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...g-and-routing-exhaust-mandrel-u-bends.993838/ it is definitely worth the read. It goes into much more detail about how to find and measure the angles you need. I have not tried this method, I am willing to try it when I get a bandsaw. Thank you for suggesting this thread.
Here is another thread that goes over making and cutting paper templates for finding your bends https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/tech-exhaust-fabrication-tips.435797/
I recently built my SS tail pipes for my roadster using mandrel bends and the hose clamp method with my table mounted band saw. Worked pretty good. I did the welding with my MIG with SS wire and a tri mix gas. That portion of the project needed a bit more more practice.
That is awesome! I definitely think it is one of the things that you get better at the more you do it, nice work!
I have always used an old tape measure to get my lines straight around round tubing. I've got a junk piece about 12" long, and wrap the tubing so it overlaps itself. It self aligns when you wrap the tubing, and overlap the tape measure ends. I use those clamps he uses for radiator hoses. I have to order them online as none of the parts stores carry them. But they seal better than any hose clamp, and look nicer installed too. Never thought about using them for exhaust welding, but I'll have to order some bigger ones, as most exhaust work I do is 2.5" tubes.