Vintage Windmill and Wind Generator Forum

I acquired a three legged Aermotor tower the other day. In the process of trying to remove
the head the chain holding the tower slipped off the teeth on the bucket. The head fell about
3 feet. The neck suffered a bend of about 15 degrees. An accident that could have been avoided.
We were in a hurry and as they say " Haste makes waste"
What is the best method to use to straighten it? Do I need heat? Have no photo.
Thanks,
Joe

Sorry about the misshape Joe and yes your going to have to heat it up.Also a good press will do it or both.

I have straightened several. Put it in a vise (laying down) install the nut on the top to protect the threads, heat it and slip a cheater pipe over it to bend it back. Let it cool slowly, as you don't want it brittle.

How hot should I heat it? Would a propane Tiger torch get it hot enough?
I

I think you will need to get it Red Hot. I would use a rosebud on an acetylene torch. Slow and easy, making it hotter on the inside of the bend. Keeping it cooler on the outside of the bend will keep it from wrinkling.

I will give it a shot when the weather clears up. Not going to need the pipe
until next spring.

With a 15 degree bend in falling 3', I think you should first assess how worn it is?

Ron Stauffer
Montrose CO

Might not be 15 degrees will have to double check. The fall happened when the owner
removed the tower clamp bolts around the top that hold the mast pipe in place.
The head fell to the ground but the bottom of the mast pipe was still hung up in
the tower. The tower was being held up with chains around a front end loader.
There was no need to remove the head as the tower could have been loaded on the
trailer with the head attached. We had removed the spokes and sails.
I might add that the bottom section of the tower was badly
damaged so that portion was removed leaving 20 feet and my trailer is 16 feet with a raised
rack at the front.
There is no wear showing on the pipe.

In a pinch I was able to straighten one in the receiver hitch on the truck. No heat, just a couple forceful jumps on the end. I wouldn't recommend it though unless you have a big buddy or are younger/stronger/heavier than me! I usually heat it with an acetylene torch. I don't think a propane torch would be able to get it hot enough.

The neck is bent closer to 20 degrees. Have not attempted to straighten yet. The frame on the front of my 14 foot
trailer has been useful for doing all kinds of bending and straightening of angle iron, I have a propane oxygen torch
and a rosebud. Not sure if there is enough oxygen in tank. I do not use the setup that much. If I have to get a refilled
tank it will cost as much as taking the neck to my local welding shop and let them do it.