Bending glass tubes is quite easy, and all you need is a strong flame.
There are many apparatuses that can produce the steady flame required. Here are several examples:
Bunsen burner
Fishtail burner
Blowtorch
Alcohol lamp
Furnace
How to bend a glass tube
- Wear heat-resistant gloves on your hands.
- Place the tube over the flame.
- Concentrate the heat on the desired bending point. Rotate the tube to evenly heat it.
- When the glass becomes red hot, remove it from the flame.
- Grip the unheated areas of the tube and bend to the desired angle.
- If a stronger glass is required, blow cool compressed air onto the glass to temper it. Do not use cold water as it will shatter.
