How hot is hot enough to straighten a footrest

[David Smith]

Repairing the accident damage to the footrest on my KH. I have sourced another one, but that's a two piece affair with the peg bolted on. My attempts with a map gas torch were completely ineffectual, and I suspect the material is malleable cast iron or SG Iron as they say now. Does anyone know what colour it needs heating too to get it to bend back into shape?

[Simon.Gardiner]

In my experience, make 'em red hot (I used to go to scarlet red, not just cherry - but you might get away with cherry if you're quick...)

SG

[simon.holyfield]

I've just done an FH one with a MAPP torch, cherry red - requires a bit of strength but works fine...

[paul.jameson]

They need to be red hot. I set up the barbecue near the workshop door, light it and when its warm, put the footrest in with a piece of wire to extract it. Then I apply Madam's hair drier to the fire which warms things up nicely but does use up quite a lot of charcoal. Once suitably hot, whip the footrest in to the vice and bend straight again.
You may wish to consider the wisdom of doing this when Madam is out, and of making sure the hair drier is spotlessly clean and put away in its usual place when she returns.

[simon.holyfield]

Hot air paint strippers preserve domestic harmony in these situations.

[David Smith]

Thanks Chaps
Mapp Gas torch and Oxy Acetylene eventually proved hot enough to straighten with a 2 1/2 lb copper and hide mallet