Bending the stainless tubing for a bimini top?

[sooner25]

So, after a summer of trying to get my bimini top fixed or replaced, I've got it down to the point that I only need the rear piece of 7/8" stainless steel tubing bent in the radius for the frame. I'm running into a problem finding anyone that can do it without flattening out or crimping the tubing. Anyone have any idea about who could do this? I'd ship it or drive cross country at this point. I can't believe getting a bimini to replace the Metcrap one for the Alpha Z is so freaking hard!

[IDBoating]

Rent or buy a conduit bending jig. Many rental shops carry them, and I believe Harbor Freight sells them cheap. Get the head that matches the diameter of the tubing you're using. These jigs are made specifically to bend tubing without kinking it.

Another option might be a local boat upholstery shop. They must have a solution when they repair damaged biminis... if they can't do it themselves I bet they have a local shop that does it for them.

Report back so we all can know the answer you select!

[chpthril]

The only way to bend tubing without it looking like an exhaust pipe is to use a mandrel.

[bkdhdd]

Are you trying to bend the corners at 90 degrees? If so try bending it 2-45s with about 4-6 inches in between them and that should workout best! Thats how mine is and sturdy enough to keep on while towing boat.

[sooner25]

Yeah, I figure its going to have to be a mandrel. I can't find anyone with the right size die though. At this point I might just buy one.

[chpthril]

Yeah, I figure its going to have to be a mandrel. I can't find anyone with the right size die though. At this point I might just buy one.

Have you talked to any local canvas/bimini top shops?

[sooner25]

Have you talked to any local canvas/bimini top shops?

Yeah, but no one can do it. I would ship it or have something shipped if I could find someone to do it outside of OKC.

[chpthril]

Yeah, but no one can do it. I would ship it or have something shipped if I could find someone to do it outside of OKC.

So, how in the HELL do the local Bimini top makers make tops without frames if they cant bend tubes

[sooner25]

So, how in the HELL do the local Bimini top makers make tops without frames if they cant bend tubes

They can bend aluminum, but not stainless. We also don't have the biggest selection of shops here in OKC.

[Jaybee63]

Frame bending

Hi. We are a boat cover manufacturer in the UK So can only offer advice. We use a cnc ring roller which means we can bend stainless at any radius within the limits of the machine. Basically if we can create a dxf file of the bar profile we can create a cad file and bend the tube. Find a comapny with a cnc ring roller.

Our website is www.tecsew.com and if you read the 3d cad article in the news section you will see a picture of a frame being bent.

Hope this helps.

Best regards

John
Tecsew ltd

[sooner25]

Hi. We are a boat cover manufacturer in the UK So can only offer advice. We use a cnc ring roller which means we can bend stainless at any radius within the limits of the machine. Basically if we can create a dxf file of the bar profile we can create a cad file and bend the tube. Find a comapny with a cnc ring roller.

Our website is www.tecsew.com and if you read the 3d cad article in the news section you will see a picture of a frame being bent.

Hope this helps.

Best regards

John
Tecsew ltd

Thanks for your help. Looks like you all do amazing work! You should open a shop in Oklahoma City!!

[Joeprunc]

My are you going with Stainless? I don't think I've ever seen a stainless bimini frame. Stainless will be around 3 times heavier that the usual aluminum bars. That weight will add up and translate directly to the mounting location. I'm not sure where your top attaches to, but if its attached to the fiberglass section of your boat I wouldn't recommend doing it.

On a side note there are several tube bending companies in Ok and Texas. Our company buys product from Webco almost daily (but it is ASME Certified materials so its a bit more expensive that just plain Jane tubing). I believe their office is out of OK. I don't know if they do one off stuff but you could call.

[laserfish]

I agree with Joe, why stainless, more weight and cost for no advantage. All biminis we have ever had were Aluminum tube. Much cheaper and easier to bend as well. I know my 90 bends are inside the pocket of the bimini and cannot be seen. Try calling Samson Sports. I got my bimini with my new tower and the co they had do it did a wonderful job. Custom to my tower, so they had to be able to bend.

[Timmy!]

I believe Tige uses stainless on the Alpha Z bimini for strength. It's rated to have the bimini up and tow the boat with it up (so 75mph?) from what I have heard. My dealer tried to have a local shop make the bimini's to save costs and they told him to just order the factory one because it costs them the same or more than what it is from the factory due to the stainless and the nice bends in it.

[sooner25]

I believe Tige uses stainless on the Alpha Z bimini for strength. It's rated to have the bimini up and tow the boat with it up (so 75mph?) from what I have heard. My dealer tried to have a local shop make the bimini's to save costs and they told him to just order the factory one because it costs them the same or more than what it is from the factory due to the stainless and the nice bends in it.

Yep. Tige uses the stainless. I have all of the pieces except this one, so I'm not going to spend a ton of money on having it totally rebuilt in aluminum. I have the Metcrap bimini which was used for about half a year from what I understand. I talked to my dealer and it would be $1,600 for a new one that fits what I have. I'd love to just order something directly, but I don't think its possible.