Yes, T-6 is HARD and fatigue cracks easily. I've never tried to bend it, though; just used it to make structural compontents using angle or plate. I'd think it would bend, though, as long as it is fastened to the die properly. Does it kink? Before I write it off completely, I'd buy a stick and try it. The fatiging doesn't bother me because that would be an issue at the welds and welding it makes it softer and less prone to cracks from flexing. Still, 6061 alloy might be a little overkill. And cost more, too. Since you've got a little experience doing this, I'm all ears. (and eye's for the pics.)
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Originally Posted by shicks007
Word to the wise. I screwed myself on mine. I was(still maybe) in the prcess of builbing my own. I didn't spec out the material properly and ended up with some alluminum that was not what I wanted. I bought 6061 T6 alluminum. The T6 means it's hardened and will not bend, even with a properly sized mandrel bender, so spec it out good. I'll take some pics of what I have for you to see. I still might do it but I'm not sure how it would look with all straight pipes. What do you think?
Scott
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