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Understanding bending of tubes

Curved Block Letters

Once you've nearly mastered straight-line Block letters, move to curved Block letters. Curves require use of the ribbon burner. To evenly heat a tube in a ribbon burner simply rotate the tube methodically or flip it back and forth heating at least two sides of the tube equally.

Now comes a variation of the rule, bend the inside first. Whenever possible make a ribbon curve that aids formation of the letter inside first. Do this because this curve is often the most visible or is the largest bend in the letter. Getting it right makes a better-looking letter.

Consider practicing the letters -B,G,O,R,S- because most other letter are easily formed from these. Practicing these letters hones your basic skills and prepares you to learn script letters. See there really is method to this madness. Refer to Figure 2 for a couple suggested bending sequences just to get you started.

Script Letters

Script letters are made mostly of curves formed in the ribbon burner. To make a good-looking script sign you need to form smooth curves and transitions between them. Hopefully, bending many curved Block letters will benefit this effort.
This is worth mentioning again, if there's an inside to a letter bend it first. But if there's a ribbon curve that aids this function, make it first.

Consider the bending sequence for the Script letter E in Figure 3. We begin by forming an inside curve then work our way out. We bend in a planned sequence that eliminates the possibility of crossed tubes.

Size Matters

The size of a letter can affect how you bend it. If the E in Figure 3 is about two to four inches in height; you may attempt to form bends 1, 3 and 4 in one maneuver. Simply elevating the tube flat onto a block eliminates bend number 2, making bend number 1 a slow, smooth drop onto the table.

To aid forming the sharp turn at bend 3, preheat it a few seconds before heating the entire length to molten. Preheating warms this section of tubing to higher temperature thus causing it to bend more, form a sharper turn.

The same is true when bending the Script letter O. If the letter is large; the bends are easiest to form in the sequence shown in Figure 3. If it is small, bends 1, 2 and 3 can be formed in a single heat provided bend number 2 is preheated sufficiently.

Consistency

Of course, bending several consistent and smooth script letters requires much practice. Yet there is reward, Block letters will now seem simple to bend by comparison. See there's that method to madness thing again.
Practice making a few individual script letters then draw a complete script word like "Open" or "Best Deal." Practice making the letters individually then weld them together.
Eventually, try making two or more script letters in series, on the same stick of tubing. When you can plan this task properly then pull it off in glass, you know you're well on your way to becoming a journeyman Block and Script letter neon glassblower