Used the HF pipe bender for the first time today.

[Missourian]

It works...but you're not going to get those perfect bends.

I don't need perfect bends, I just need acceptable bends.

Here's the deal.

I didn't put sand inside and I didn't heat the pipe.

I just bend a little, then move the pipe a half an inch and bend again.

It seems to work even if you're moving back and forth a few inches in the same area.

First bend...oops!

Then I got the hang of it...but you can see the little divots the bending process leaves.

Now I have to make another just like this one.

Heating a mild steel pipe might improve the bend, but this is galvanized.

 

[progressive hunter]

It works...but you're not going to get those perfect bends.

I don't need perfect bends, I just need acceptable bends.

Here's the deal.

I didn't put sand inside and I didn't hear the pipe.

I just bend a little, then move the pipe a half an inch and bend again.

It seems to work even if you're moving back and forth a few inches in the same area.

View attachment 971150

First bend...oops!

View attachment 971152

Then I got the hang of it...but you can see the little divots the bending process leaves.
View attachment 971153

Now I have to make another just like this one.
View attachment 971155

what diameter is that conduit??

 

[Woodznutz]

Why not rent a conduit bender. You get perfect bends.

 

[Missourian]

what diameter is that conduit??

It's ¾.

 

[Missourian]

Why not rent a conduit bender. You get perfect bends.

I'd like to use this for bigger stuff.

This is just learning to use it on a project that doesn't need to be perfect.

 

[progressive hunter]

It's ¾.

I have one of those benders and it doesnt go that small,,

you would be better off with a conduit bender,,
3/4 shouldnt be that hard to bend,,

 

[Woodznutz]

I work with 3/4" for various things. Shown is leaf cart handle and firewood rack end supports. Sorry for the double image.

 

[tyroneweaver]

i would like to fabricate a tire rack for the back of our rzr. They have pop up ones for the larger rzr's but we have a trail. So I would have to fabricate one

 

[Missourian]

I have one of those benders and it doesnt go that small,,

you would be better off with a conduit bender,,
3/4 shouldnt be that hard to bend,,

View attachment 971161

This must different than yours.

This one goes from ½” to 2"

 

[progressive hunter]

This must different than yours.

This one goes from ½” to 2"


View attachment 971183

View attachment 971186

I got my used and was told thats all the dies that come with it,,
guess they were wrong,,

I still think the other bender will do better,,

 

[Missourian]

I work with 3/4" for various things. Shown is leaf cart handle and firewood rack end supports. Sorry for the double image.

View attachment 971172View attachment 971173View attachment 971173

That's very nice work.

That's the kind of thing I'd like to do.

 

[Missourian]

I got my used and was told thats all the dies that come with it,,
guess they were wrong,,

I still think the other bender will do better,,

I agree. I'll probably get one if I get to using a lot of conduit...but what I really want to do is 2" for bumpers guards.

 

[progressive hunter]

I agree. I'll probably get one if I get to using a lot of conduit...but what I really want to do is 2" for bumpers guards.

I was bender fence top rail and did OK but had a few kinks,,
when I did old school heavy gauge pipe it did really good with no kinks,,

that was 1 1/2 and 1 1/4 pipe,,

make sure to lay it on its side,, its easier to use that way,,
there are nubs on one side to hold it off the table,,

 

[Missourian]

I got my used and was told thats all the dies that come with it,,
guess they were wrong,,

I bought this one used too.

I'd been kicking myself for not buying one when they were $99...would have been like $79 with a 20% off coupon.

Then I found this one gently used and felt a little better.

 

[Missourian]

make sure to lay it on its side,, its easier to use that way,,
there are nubs on one side to hold it off the table,,

I'll do that. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[Missourian]

when I did old school heavy gauge pipe it did really good with no kinks,,

that was 1 1/2 and 1 1/4 pipe,,

Good to know.

I might be able to get by with 1½”

 

[Missourian]

i would like to fabricate a tire rack for the back of our rzr. They have pop up ones for the larger rzr's but we have a trail. So I would have to fabricate one

Story of my life Brother.

Seems like I always have to built it myself.

Got a picture of what you're talking about?

 

[Missourian]

Second one came out a lot better.

Still a little kinky, but so much tighter I think I'm going to have to remake the first one.

 

[progressive hunter]

Good to know.

I might be able to get by with 1½”

when I said old school heavy gauge pipe I meant top rail fence pipe,,
the old stuff is smaller but a lot thicker,,

didnt want you to think I was doing schedule 40 or something

 

[Missourian]

when I said old school heavy gauge pipe I meant top rail fence pipe,,
the old stuff is smaller but a lot thicker,,

didnt want you to think I was doing schedule 40 or something

I looked up the range of top rail tube and it said it went as thick as 9 gauge.



9 gauge tube is the equivalent wall thickness of sch40 @ 1.5" diameter.