Replies

1. 
   [email protected] | Dec 21, 2006 11:06pm | #1

   It is pretty straight forward.  Use a heat gun or propane torch, (I recommend the heat gun, it's harder to burn it with), and heat about 3/4 of the way around the pipe, on the side your bending to.  As you heat it try gently flexing it, and you will see when it gets soft.   When it does make your bend.   

   If it is large pipe or a heavy walled one, you might want a helper. 

2. 
   paretsky | Dec 22, 2006 01:36am | #2

   This may not be where you saw it, but this guy makes a lot of things out of PVC pipe, and has some discussions about the process. He uses a heat gun. Sorry, I can't tell you where on the site. I think it's under "Cool Stuff I've Made"

   http://www.cockeyed.com

   "Light the lamp, not the rat! Light the lamp, not the rat!!"
   Rizzo the Rat, A Muppet Christmas Carol
3. 
   AlanWS | Dec 22, 2006 09:44am | #3

   http://billpentz.com/woodworking/PVC.html

1. 
   Pil | Dec 22, 2006 10:19pm | #5

   Thanks...this is the article I was looking for.

4. 
   AntzyClancy | Dec 22, 2006 09:41pm | #4

   I put a bend on 6 inch pipe with me gas grill.  I tried the heat gun first, but it didn't work.

   Todd

5. 
   oldusty | Dec 23, 2006 07:33am | #6

     Another way to bend tubing is to pour hot sand into the tubing and shape them to a form , let cool . We have made snow shoe frames this way .

       good  luck          dusty

6. 
   UnclePablo | Dec 23, 2006 02:11pm | #7

   Pil,

   We bend a lot of PVC materials in a homemade heating box. It is about a foot square by 8' long made of plywood with a hinged lid. It could be as long as you want depending on the work piece. It has a metal grate inside that suspends the piece up off the bottom. We use 2 heat guns, one on each end, that penetrate through holes large enough for the barrels of the guns. The heat guns we use are of good quality with a metal shield around the barrel that prevents any scorching of the box due to the close proximity of the arrangement.

   It is a very effective way to heat the entire piece for manipulation. We have found that using a heat gun in a conventional way doesn't allow for even, efficient heating especially when you need the whole piece hot. The ends tend to heat fastest as they are closest to the heat source so some trial and error is involved depending on what you are heating. Once dialed in though, you can use an egg timer to let you know when they are ready.

   Obviously a lot of caution is taken when doing something like this. Do it outside, wear a respirator and don't leave the thing unattended. Gloves are a good idea too.

   Good luck,

   -Paul