link bending question

[kbogger81]

for example, if i put a single 30 degree bend in a 4 inch piece of rod how much overall length would i lose end to end?

[SHOtime]

I know this isnt a direct answer to your question but i always mock my links on a piece of cardboard. I always go eye to eye and measure the length of the 2 straight portions of the arm from one eye to the bend and the bend to the other eye. Its stupid kid math but once you add the 2 lengths together and subtract the portion that accounts for your rod ends you'll have the right material lenth. Then i cut it about 1/10th of an inch longer and grind the ends down a bit if its too long. Hope this helps

[SINister]

Not as much as you think. Roughly 1/8 depending on materiel. I wouldn't go about it this way though. As mentioned above mocking up the links beforehand is the way to go. If you can't do that, then I would leave some length on the long end that can be trimmed down later. I use all-thread or old links to mock them up then go from there.

[kbogger81]

thanks for the input, i guess mock up with cheap metal is the best way to go. i have plenty of all thread laying around.

[Arctic Fire]

I use metal coathangers. I can push them to the iside the traxxas rod ends that I use, and it gives me an exact length for the all thread link, accounting for the "screw-in" of the rod end.

[Big Daddy]

No more wire hangers!!! Okay most people on here probably won't get that. The hanger idea is a good one, might have to borrow it..

[dieselmudder]

i mock up with simple tie wire, mechanics wire, baling wire, whatever you wanna call it. and if its a single simple bend straighten it back out to get a measurement, or if its a compound bend just use it as a guide. works pretty well.