Topband: Separating Al tubing

[Geoff Dover]

Be wary of heating Al with a welding torch as you can easily melt Al. Heat with butane or propane blow lamp. Use soap or a piece of timber to check the temperature. It will make a black mark when the tube is getting to the annealing temperature. Then let cool. Use penetrating oil on it which should be drawn into the joint as it cools. It may help to use a soft mallet with a wood block round the other side of the tube to carefully hit in order the slightly deform the tubes to release it. 

If it doesn't work try the same treatment again. 

GL & 73,
Geoff Dover, G4AFJ.