I suck at bending tubing apparently. Everytime I try, that cannon seems to turn into scap (even with a decent bending tool). Does anyone have the proper source for the 90 degree fitting for the magazine tubing (so I can fill it without removing the deck). I tried a 1/4" 90 from Grainger but the the dang thing is huge. Any help is appreciated.
When you are bending tubing, its ID tends to shrink through the bend. Or, more specifically, it collapses slightly. That's just part of the bending process. There are a few things you can do to limit its effect on your cannon, however. 1) use a larger diameter of tubing. That way, when you bend it, your shots will still fit through the bend. 2) use a filler material to limit the shrinking. Many Big Gunners bend barrels after filling them with a low-melting-temperature soft metal. The filler significantly reduces the shrinking effect, and then melts and flows out when you dip it in boiling water. I think the filler material is called Cerro-bend. Other less-effective materials include sand, salt, and ice. I personally use method 1. I have not tried method 2, but it is popular among other Big Gunners.
A note that some of the materials involved in method two may be a bit toxic and you'll want to check the label. Probably fine for occasional use, but for doing it on a larger scale, we tend to avoid that method.
www.statesupply.com/maintenance-sup...e-fittings Give them a try. Clippard told me they only stock the "quick connect" type fittings now.
Yes. Lowe's and home depot and ace, trustworthy all have them. If you are lucky, you may find some 45 degree ones. they make filling/ BB flow very easy. Nate G
sorry. reply was incomplete. I use compression or flare fittings. Actual tubing elbows exist. harder to find. air conditioning suppliers and some refrigerator supplies have them and they are lighter. As for the bending metals. they are great just another thing to get and use. I think they do have lead in them so just wash hands after handling. inhalation risk is overrated by fearmongers. lead aerosolizes at 1200 degrees, melts at 600 if not alloyed and is not absorbed in significant amounts through intact skin. Special low melt alloys are quite safe. Nate G Pres, IR/CWCC MD, board certified in Surgery, Fellow, American College of surgeons BA, Chemistry Johns Hopkins University
