Hot Rods Precision Bending of Nicopp

Here are examples of tools that are really worth spending the money for. If you want to make a 37 degree flare, the kind like they use for AN fittings, the right tools are a little harder (more expensive) to get. You don't want to try to make a 45 degree flare and use it in conjunction with a 37 degree fitting. It will disappoint you.
The thing is that most of the flares you need can be made conviently at your work bench. You will inevitably find that some flares can only be accomplished after the tube has been snaked into its confined location. Then a hand held flare is needed. While the tool for that looks like the cheap and simple common flaring tool we all love/hate to use, its actually quite a bit better. The 37 degree flare on a tube can often split the tube. The better hand flares don't just push the flare. They run on an eccentric and roll the flare gradually as they move into the tube end. It works very well .
So like I said, you really need to evaluate whether or not a tool provides you personally with something of value, or whether you could better spend your money. I have a tool like the "Ridgid" demonstrated in the video. The Ridgid
version is over $100. There are similar ones for about half that on Amazon and elsewhere. Be sure its a 37 degree.




One thing I learned to do was to solder steel tubing to steel tubing while going thru a learning curve with forming tubing. I wanted to use the factory style push on fittings with the high pressure (60 lb) fuel system. The return line to the tank needed to be 5/16 and I was having problems finding that size with AN fittings. It is however available in the JIC fittings which are less expensive versions of AN fittings. They are used in industrial environments and are just as good as AN. Still was having trouble with locating 5/16 . I eventually found some but I had already made a fuel line where I soldered a 5/16 inside a 3/8 tube. That gave me 3/8 on one end for the pressure regulator and 5/16 on the other end for the return line to the tank. The secret I found was to not overheat the tubes when joining them. They will create a black residue if you get them too hot, and then you have to clean everything and start over. The trick that worked for me was the purchase of (wait for this).......................a HARBOR FREIGHT
"micro-torch". A normal propane torch gets it too hot and too quick. The little micro torch was perfect for what I wanted to do.
Right tool for the job and cost be da*ned ! (about $15 )
https://www.harborfreight.com/Butane-Micro-Torch-63170.html

 

Beautiful Work.^^