Bending copper pipe can be done properly in two ways, ether a tool called a bending spring is used or a more substantial tool called a proprietary plumbers copper pipe bender is used. If you are prepared to make one, Stan Bray described a small pipe bender in Model Engineer Volume 157, number 3783. The rollers can be made to suit the diameter of the pipe and the radius required. Very simple design that wouldn't take long to make. Hold the two pieces of wood close to the bar and the bend will start where it is meant to and not some distance away.

I hope to start the plumbing on a model loco using mainly 1/4" copper pipe. To try and achieve a reasonable and tidy appearance, I thought the use of a pipe bender would be better than bending by hand. Pipe benders are typically made from strong steel or die-cast aluminium. They are designed to withstand the pressure put on them when bending a pipe, whilst still maintaining a flawless bend in any given pipe. Gumtree.com Limited is an Appointed Representative of Compare The Market Limited who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.The formers are sized at different pipes sizes and are about 150mm long. Now, as you close the handle, the former pushes the pipe round the wheel former giving you a perfect, kink free bend. The primary function of a pipe bender is to bend pipes. Simply insert a pipe into the tool, then close the levers to carefully bend the pipe to the correct angle. Pipe benders work by enclosing the pipe around a hard 'shoe'. The user then pulls the level as necessary to pressure the pipe into forming a perfect bend around the shoe. Pipe springs are just that. Springs which go in pipes. Putting a spring into a pipe before applying pressure to bend it, will stop the pipe kinking. Ratchet pipe bender - Ratchet pipe benders look much different to other pipe benders as they use a lever to 'push' the pipe into shape. Their smaller form factor makes them great for jobs where space is limited, and their crossbow-like design makes them excellent for bending pipes that are already attached to the wall.

I've had some good results using Field's metal (bismuth, indium & tin alloy melts @ 61 C), similar to Wood's metal but no lead. Any recommendations please of a suitable tool? I have seen a Record 210 advertised, but no details of the minimum radius is given. I have a bender which will produce a 1" radius, but it would be useful if tighter bends were possible. When the handles are pulled together, the stay (3) which is attached to one of the handles, pulls the pipe down and around the wheel former creating the bend. Sorry. Don't know a supplier but I seem to remember a thread here or on a similar group - maybe Yahoo Bending copper pipes also reduces the number of fittings used and although this probably would not make a great deal of difference to the DIY enthusiast as the cost of a pipe bender for 2 days is probably more than the cost of the appropriate fittings, it is important to a plumber who probably saves over 600 fittings in the course of a year.Pipe springs can be used in pipes up to 22mm diameter but bending a 22mm pipe with a spring is a herculean task which none of us would attempt. They're designed for reliability, durability, and strength, with many professionals getting decades of use from their tube bender kits. If trying to make small radius bends in 1/4" copper pipe, any idea please, of what would be the smallest practical radius possible?

The other thin you can do is thread a length of plastic coated wire of the right diameter up the pipe while you bend it.This will help prevent kinks(!) You will not see many plumbers using springs however as it is very hard to keep the bend neat and to the correct diameter. It isn't too good for very tight radii,I resorted to the groove in a piece of bar method mentioned above when making new cylinder drain pipework. Various hand tools, trowel, pliers and filler and scrapers. Spring Pipe benders metric and imperial. Free standing pipe bender - Free standing pipe benders are the biggest, most robust type of bender for heavy duty applications. They stand upright on their own stand, giving users the ability to use both hands - providing the strength required to bend heavy pipes.Pipe benders are used to bend metal pipes - such as stainless steel and copper pipes - to form a range of curves and angles. Diameter - Similar to the degree, ensure your pipe bender can accommodate the size of pipe you work with. Gumtree.com Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative of CarMoney Limited who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FRN 674094. Gumtree.com Limited is a credit broker, not a lender. Introductions are limited to motor finance, CarMoney Limited will pay us a fixed commission per paid out deal.

Pipe benders come in a variety of sizes catering for copper pipes from 6mm to 38mm and are operated by hand. Mechanical benders deal with pipes bigger than this.pipe, bent with a spring is ok, but do not expect a very tidy job and read our project about how to box the pipes in afterwards as although it will probably do the job it will need hiding away! As the water flows down the "straight" all of a sudden it encounters a tight, right angled bend. Because the bend is so tight the water simply hits the side of the fitting before going round the corner. Further to Baggo's suggestion of a bar with a groove machined in it, If you put the bar in the vice and get two pieces of wood, one to hold against one end of the tube and the other to push it round the bar. Dual pipe bender - Dual pipe benders are the most common type of bender and are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes. When the levers are pulled fully, they provide a 90 degree bend. Also, as with any other system in a house which contains many parts, the greater the number of pieces involved, the more there is to go wrong. If a pipe can be bent to do the job, it is impossible for it to leak. If it has fittings in the run, it certainly can! How to Bend Copper Pipe