square tube (weld or bend)

[offroading73]

is square tube stronger welded or bent?

 

[mckutzy]

I'm going to say cut and welded...
But over all depends on the design...

Do you have all the dies for crimping and properly bending a square tube...

 

[Functional Artist]

I'm not an expert (but, I play one on TV)

I don't think square tube bends very well

Unless you got some big fancy equipment

So, I would go with welded

Go with a well thought out design (layout), good geometry (triangulation & such) & tight seams

 

[offroading73]

no do not have any tools for bending. at one time i did have a decent shop but had to sell everything. now trying to get something going again but this time on a much tighter budget.

never have done any kind of tube bending. other than conduit.

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

Years ago I read that tubing it always stronger when it is straight. This is a question a person could definitely GAB on.

 

[anickode]

It all depends on the weld too.

If you do proper prep and weld it correctly with full penetration, that is your best option. If you just butt the seams tight together and sling some bird poop over it, you would be better off bending.

Square tube will not bend without the inside and outside radius buckling, so asthetically, cut and weld is better.

 

[MTNSleder]

Here's a thread (not our thread) on converting your HF tube bender into a square tubing bender If you choose to go this way ...

http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/making-dies-rollers-bend-square-tubing-114252-2.html

 

[itsid]

unbent tube is the strongest for sure..
if a welded or bent tube is stronger depends on many different aspects.
was it a cold deformation bent, is it well done or kinked,
what angle, what radius for what material,
was the stress reliefed or not.

how good is the weld, how much heat and has itaffected the integrety of the material ?
If so by how much....

In the end, you can always say "it never breaks at the weld" and call it good..
but when it fails right next to it... is it still caused by the weld or not? (sometimes it is...)

So IDK, I'd say there is no definitive answer to your question really.

'sid

 

[kenworth85]

I have built four karts with square tubing without any problems.I've done both weld and bend. Always cold bend I never bend over 90degree I think the outside of the bend gets to thin. I use 14 GA. only. I've used 3/4 and 1 inch and sometimes combine the two sizes, IMO it's easier for me to work than round. Don't waste your money on that bender,tried it and wasn't impressed. just my opinion only.

 

[landuse]

I wouldn't bend

 

[David Ham]

I have built four karts with square tubing without any problems.I've done both weld and bend. Always cold bend I never bend over 90degree I think the outside of the bend gets to thin. I use 14 GA. only. I've used 3/4 and 1 inch and sometimes combine the two sizes, IMO it's easier for me to work than round. Don't waste your money on that bender,tried it and wasn't impressed. just my opinion only.

big text,

 

[tinamcjittles]

Offroading, can you draw up your frame design and post a pic? I think this question depends on the application.. It should be true that tubing is stronger when welded square, because (if the welds are thick enough) there isn't any compression/expansion.

 

[kenworth85]

is this better

 

[landuse]

is this better

Nope

 

[itsid]

is this better

Nope

BOTH is

(look it's even orange!! *gg*)

'sid