Abstract: A method for bending glass sheets is provided wherein glass is heated just to the softening point in a molten salt bath, then mechanically forced around a cylindrical or conical form using a forming member which hinges to follow the glass sheet onto the form, thereby maintaining the optical characteristics of the glass sheet by avoiding exertion of force along the plane of the glass sheet.The apparatus for use with the invention comprises a forming member which maintains contact with the part being formed at the same spot throughout the forming operation, means for supporting the part, and means for actuation.