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Bending copper tubing

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AWB

10-02-2001 19:03:49




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I need to have a smaller radius 90 degree bend in a piece of copper tubing than I can get with any tubing bender I can find in the hardware stores. How can I do this?? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks




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Bill Jones

10-03-2001 20:56:10




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 Re: Bending copper tubing in reply to AWB, 10-02-2001 19:03:49  
I was shown a great method of using a spring,longer than the tubing.inserted into the tube,make the bend,remove spring and presto ,no collapsed areas.The spring allows even pressure without pinching.It works on steel aircraft lines,so copper should be easy.Hope this helps! BillJ



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John ('48 Cub, Ohio)

10-03-2001 03:35:21




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 Re: Bending copper tubing in reply to AWB, 10-02-2001 19:03:49  
We bend a lot of copper at work. If you need to bend a radius anywhere approaching the tubing diameter (a recommended minimum) you may want to reconsider but filling it with sand is a good option to prevent kinking. There are several ways to bend tight bends that I am aware of.

a) The fill with sand method.

b) tack weld a rod with the diameter/radius you want to a steel table and bend the copper around it with a dead blow mallet. I know this may not be practical, but you may be able to adapt it.

c) Hold one end of your pipe in a vise, heat with a torch 'till it glows and bend it where you want it.

d) As someone else noted, buy a 90 elbow and solder/braze it in. No matter how much we do here professionally, some times we still resort to purchased fittings.

e) For REALLY tight spots, as an absolute last resort, and only for rigid tubing, cut tube/pipe at 45 degrees and braze it back together at 90. This is a lot more difficult and much more prone to failure.

JohnP

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ferrell freeman

10-03-2001 02:32:07




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 Re: Bending copper tubing in reply to AWB, 10-02-2001 19:03:49  
The tubing is easy to use most of them have directions with them . When I, was younger my father keep a small amount of clean builders sand and we would pack the tubing full make the bend then clean the sand out of the tubing ,the keeps the tubing from messing up a bend.



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wrenchman

10-03-2001 00:29:45




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 Re: Bending copper tubing in reply to AWB, 10-02-2001 19:03:49  
get some plumbers lead(soft,chunk usually 1lb-5lb size)and melt it.then pour into tubing(cork one end).bend around bolt shank or whatever has radius you need.then melt lead out.the lead will prevent collapsing the tube while bending.use thickwall soft tubing as thinwall will probably tear on outside of bend.



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Joe Evans

10-02-2001 19:53:48




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 Re: Bending copper tubing in reply to AWB, 10-02-2001 19:03:49  
The tubing benders we use at the mechanical contractor business I work for have a fairly tight radius in their design. These are Parker and Imperial brand benders. You may have to settle for a flare x flare or compression x compression union elbow fitting for a real tight radius.



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Joe Evans

10-02-2001 19:53:49




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 Re: Bending copper tubing in reply to AWB, 10-02-2001 19:03:49  
The tubing benders we use at the mechanical contractor business I work for have a fairly tight radius in their design. These are Parker and Imperial brand benders. You may have to settle for a flare x flare or compression x compression union elbow fitting for a real tight radius.



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