Thread: Building a Triton Rocking Horse

I have just got a copy of the Triton Rocking Horse plan off the net. Is there anyone in the Forum who has made one?

I need information on the following two matters:

I am particularly interested in finding out where I could source, in Sydney NSW, the 6mm diameter steel rod (referred to in the plan as chrome-plated "gym rod" used for children's callisthenics) and also the 6mm internal diameter tube for the upper and lower bushes. I have seen 6mm rod at Bunnings but this is just the normal steel rod like reinforcing rod.

My other query concerns the problem of bending the metal rods to form the brackets. The plan states an "appropriate heat source such as an oxy-acetylene torch facilitates this operation....most L.P. gas torches are not hot enough". I have no access to oxy-acetylene gear. I am after comments from anyone who may have made the rocking horse already about ways of solving the problem of successfully bending the rod to get sharp bends.

Looking forward to hearing from anyone.