shaping acrylic rods????

Just wondering if anyone here has try to shape acrylic rod. I was able to bent one with torch, but it bubbled in the bend area. I'm sure slower heat might do it but can't think of how to do it????

Heat gun maybe? The wood working guys might know how to make a steamer like they use to bend that stuff?

heat gun or a hair dryer,That should work for ya!

the aircraft windshields are all formed in a box with heat lamps inside them!!

Like a good lover, slow and steady!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaQMt7qlg-U

I don't know what your project is, but I'd expect that you will want to try it out first and waste some, so buy extra.
If it has to conform to a specific shape, you may want to build a pattern form from MDF, Make sure the surface is smooth.
I'd also suggest using an infrared temp gun to make sure you can repeat the temps needed more closely.
Look into heat guns. They are slower, but this is probably an area where slow and steady is better than pull it out quick! Maybe a combo; oven preheat, heat gun to extend the amount of bend time and to concentrate on the area that is to be bent.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHpreTceVpw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUTNcQlHiho

If it's lighting, look at what others have done by going to youtube and searching
"acrylic rod LED lighting" seems there are special products that are flexible.
If you are thinking of just a clear hand rail or grille, consider lighting.
There is always some company or hobbist showing some cool application on the tube.
See if something makes your project easy to do, then look at other ideas to make it even better!

Alot of good ideas here Thank You!!! Going to try a heat gun first because not sure how the wife would feel about me using the oven LOL

This is just a idea I had for the van for a project this winter, I'll let you know later how it turns out

I don't know what your home situation is, but if you have big pipe to bend and want to do any powdercoating later, an outside project stove is not that much...
http://lansing.craigslist.org/app/4010690908.html

She may not like an old junk stove outside, but it could be a compromise from doing it inside in the food stove!

Just don't check for gas leaks with a lighter and make sure momma is happy!

Chris not sure what your project is but i'm thinking if your shaping then you have to keep moving it sort of like a stake on the back yard BQ grill no fumes in the house...