Best way to mash tube end to make dropout?

[jackdaw]

I have a triple tree "suspension"fork from a bicycle shaped object. I want to replace the tubes with straight tube and mash the ends for the dropouts. What is the best way to do this and get a nice clean looking job? The John Brain springer how-to shows fork ends done like that but doesn't say how to do it. I think just wailing away with a hammer would probably not look so hot. A vice? Heat?

Thanks

 

[mike94yj]

I think a little heat and a large vice would give you the most control. A hammer might be hard to get both sides the same.

 

[Wildcat]

I used a bench vise and crimped the ends of my home made struts (copper tubing), then painted them silver.

 

[Walker]

you could just buy some pre made fork dropouts and have them welded on.

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