1: Why the Pipe Bender?
A: The fact of the matter is, construction is full of angles. Whether you are running an electrical conduit through multiple floors, restoring brass plumbing, or assembling a custom automotive exhaust system, you will need to bend your materials to get the exact fit for the job. Benders, both manual and powered, have been designed to eliminate flaws when working with metal pipes or tubing. The most common issue that occurs is a wrinkle, or compression, on metal material along the inside of the bend. Pipes bent conventionally by hand or without using the proper tool exert uneven pressure. The result: plastic deformations to your pipes, like wrinkles, damage the strength and durability of the material. In conduit tubing, uneven surfaces can prevent any conduit wiring from passing through the tube smoothly. Special bending tools are made for every project. Avoid plastic damage to the surface of your material by selecting your equipment carefully.
2: Which Bender is Ideal for You?
a: If you're working with metal piping, of the three main types of benders, use a Pipe Bender. Unlike similar materials, the inner walls of pipes are thicker and always round. You'll find these pipes in high-heat construction, automotive, and outdoor furnishings. Despite their excellent durability, metal pipes can be challenging to handle with a manual bender. In particular, steel pipes require a great deal of force to achieve a higher-angled bend. Consider an electric bender like the Current Tools 77R Bender. Take advantage of the 77R Bender's adjustable settings to easily preset any angle-- or remove the handle to create dogleg bends. Achieve a precise and repeatable bend without wrinkles using an electric bender.
b: Of course, PVC piping presents a different challenge. Plastic piping is the modern choice for new or retrofitted plumbing systems, as it does not corrode or rust like metal pipes. PVC pipes are also less conductive; therefore, they are more versatile in their application. However, PVC pipes should not be used in bending equipment designed for metal pipes or conduits. Unlike metal, rigid PVC piping is brittle and cracks under mechanical pressure. Use a PVC Heater to make your materials flexible before forming your pipes as needed.
c:Tube bending, while similar to pipe bending, has several key differences. Tubes' outer diameter is typically smaller and less rigid than a pipe. Tubing also comes in round, oblong, and more irregular shapes, so equipment to bend tubing must take these variables into account. In the same vein is conduit bending. A conduit is a tube designed to be threaded through by electric wiring. Because of the conduit's specific purpose, contractors are more likely to rely on an automated bending machine for a controlled bend. The machine helps to avoid wrinkling or stretching that would interfere with threading or proper insulation of conduit wires.
3: What is Best: Manual or Powered Benders?
a:What is best for you depends on the application. There are several bender types: hydraulic, electric, manual, and mechanical. Hydraulic benders require some familiarity and setup before use, but they can apply quick and immense pressure to strong pipes. On the other hand, electric benders often need only one operator for maintenance. The machine itself does the heavy work for you, quickly and repeatedly turning out identical pipes and tubes. For larger jobs, invest in the Swagelok MS-TBE-1 Electric Tube Bender. However, for small-batch custom jobs, you can't beat the on-hand convenience of a manual ratchet bender. Professionals always come prepared with a manual bender and a little elbow grease.
4: How Do You Use Your Bender?
a:There are four steps to proper use: measuring, practice, preparation, and maintenance. Simply put, measure your pipe or tube to determine the center and use it as your basepoint. Your basepoint determines the area needed to be bent and that the bend is done to your exact specifications.
b:Follow the manual's guidance and practice using your equipment before implementing it at the job site. It is also advisory to test new angle presets before doing a large batch, preventing wasteful errors. Pipe bending equipment is designed to add speed and accuracy to your bending projects. Still, no one tool can compensate for all human error. Prepare before use. This includes ensuring that the operator is wearing the appropriate safety gear.
c:Avoid wrinkles. Choose the right tool and settings for lighter materials, like aluminum, which are more susceptible to plastic deformation. If bending light materials by hand, fill your tubing with sand or water to add resistance.
d:Lastly, maintain your equipment. Lubricate the joints and rollers of your bender to prolong your equipment's expected lifetime use. Store properly when not in use. Most importantly, avoid using a damaged bender. Damaged equipment is a risk to the operator and those nearby. Inspect your equipment before each use for repair, or replace your equipment as needed.
5:Where Can I Find a Bender that Fits My Budget?
a:Make General Equipment & Supply (GES) your go-to for reconditioned tools and equipment. Our vast selection of reconditioned industrial equipment is your alternative to the high cost and environmental waste of newly manufactured tools. Find the right tool for the job at 50% off or more than the distributor's price at GES. All reconditioned products come with a 1-year operational warranty. Find the brands you're looking for: Greenlee, Knaack, Ridged, Miller, Sumner, and more. Ask our knowledgeable staff at GES to help you find the perfect bending tool today!