[Mart]

The tubing has a split line. It might be worth holding it together with something like hose clips to prevent it splaying apart. Some strategically placed small tack welds could also be used. One of the best things I bought in the last few years was a press. It makes jobs like this very simple. You ought to be able to rig something up using a large regular vice and some wooden blocks to support the tube.

Mart.