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Builders’ Tip: Bend PVC Pipe Without Putting a Kink in It
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Click for larger image. |
Years ago, I worked in a mock-up shop where we bent plenty of PVC pipe of different diameters using heat and a bending form.
I thought I would share the technique here because it enables you to bend the PVC without kinking it.
As always,when working with heat and heat guns or torches, be sure to have a fire extinguisher nearby.
- As shown in the accompanying drawing, the jig or form is pretty simple to create and its overall size depends on the diameter of the pipe that you’re bending.
For the 3/4-inch pipe shown in the diagram, I use 3/4-inch plywood parts and a 1-foot-square base.
- To create the jig, measure three times the outside diameter (O.D.) of the pipe to determine the outside radius of the form’s bend.
With my example, the 3/4-inch PVC has an O.D. of 1 inch, so the outside portion of the form has a 3-inch radius.
- For the inside diameter radius, subtract the O.D. of the pipe from the outside radius to get the proper measurement.
In this example, the inside radius is 2 inches (3 inches minus 1 inch).
- Draw the two radii on plywood stock and cut the pattern with a band saw or jigsaw and then screw the two pieces to the base.
When using larger diameter pipe, the radius of the bends will increase, and you will have to double or triple the plywood to accommodate the larger pipe.
- With the jig ready, fill the pipe with sand. Any type of sand will work — masonry sand, beach sand, whatever is handy.
- Now, carefully heat the pipe with a heat gun or torch. If the pipe is small enough, you actually can heat it in an oven.
- Once the pipe becomes pliable, put on a pair of heavy, heat-resistant gloves and work the pipe into the curved cavity in the form. The sand will keep the pipe from kinking.
Once it has cooled, the pipe is ready to use.
— Peter Doherty, Waterford, Conn.
Tips & Techniques provided by Fine Homebuilding.
©2008 The Taunton Press
To contact Fine Homebuilding, e-mail Christina Glennon.
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