Hi Peter,

Echo the points about annealing (especially like the vertical bit - I'm looking forward to using that). For the bending jigs, I've used square section Balsa - Yep it does work! You can use tacks or the like to mark out your bending sections at very low cost, it's forgiving enough to move the pin/tack if you've made a bog up in the layout, but sturdy enough to make a low cost three dimensional bending jig. I should add that you can amend the material depending on the wire gauge - you might need to use 25mm Sq. planed wood from the warehouse sheds, but the principle holds - 3d at low cost.

Hope it helps

Andy

Hi Peter
Brass bending is not easy due to it's chemical structure. One way around this is to heat gently while carrying out a correction

Thanks Rob. Very useful information.
I will do this before continuing because as you say, I hate wasting precious brass. Also it might cure my head ache. I do not recommend banging the head against a brick wall.😊

Hi Peter.
Annealing the brass properly is the key to making the brass malleable enough to be bent easily.
I usually anneal the whole length of a brass rod using a blowtorch and heating to dull red and allowing to cool naturally.
I also always suspend rod vertically while doing this so that it doesn't bend as it would do if done horizontally.
Repeatedly bending the annealed rod will 'work harden' it a little each time but you can always re-anneal the rod again and continue.
Bending jigs also make the process easier too.
I also heard that you can practice complicated bends using an unpainted wire coat hanger to work out where the bends should be made without the risk of wasting precious brass. I've not tried that but it seems to make some sense.
I hope that's helpful.
Rob.

Thanks Martin. I understand what you are saying. A secret. I got it on explanation 1😀😁😂
Real truth is....Your first advice is the best. Just let my sailors fall overboard. Save on Rum as well,

Hi Peter,
To avoid breakage = don't have hand rails LOL!!

My trick is anneal the area to be bent.
I find the biggest mistake that a lot make is to try and make to many bends in one piece.
The best way is to do the complicated bend in a short section (from straight To Straight) then solder the joints on the straights.

Clear as mud.

Assume you start at a straight part then you get to your first bent then a straight or a second bend then the straight, solder then do the next part then solder.

Still as clear as mud.

I can explain better than try to put it in to words.

Martin555.