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I have experimented with many techniques and realized all that I needed was a temperature indicator. What I am using now and have stopped looking for anything easier or better is Magic Marker-
I take the aluminum rod or tube and paint it with Magic Marker right from the office supply store. Then I heat the aluminum with a torch until the magic marker disappears ( whether it burns off or just goes clear I don't know (or care) THAT is the point to stop heating it- If you were to heat it any further and the aluminum will deform and melt. Now just let it cool naturally ...
...then bend away!-BG