Bending PVC Pipe using the PVC Bendit is part science and part art. Practice - take your time and you will master the process...
In this video, PVC Bendit we demonstrate the ease at which a 90 degree bend is achieved on a 10' section of 4" ID schedule 40 PVC pipe using the 9B PVC Bendit.
To begin, we assembled the following items:
1. 10' section of PVC Pipe schedule 40 from Home Depot/Lowes
2. 3 pieces of coated Microlok fiberglass pipe insulation - (1/2" insulation thickness X 41/2" ID X 3' length). This pipe insulation (BendStation) is placed around the pipe being heated to keep the heat in the pipe. It helps in heating it more uniformly and heating it faster so it can be bent or shaped easier. The hot PVC Bendit can lay on the fiberglass pipe insulation and it will not ignite.
3. 7 pieces of 3/4" flexible metal conduit. We refer to these as "Sleeves". They are used to stage the PVC Bendit in the middle of the pipe so it heats more evenly.
4. The PVC Bendit tool 9B.
We start by placing the the length of PVC Pipe in the "BendStation" insulation. In this demonstration we cut the 3' sections in half so it fit and stayed around the bent pipe better.
Next we insert 3 or 4 "Sleeves" i.e., pieces of the flexible conduit in the bottom of the pipe and then inserted/laid the PVC Bendit on those pieces followed by inserting the balance of the Sleeves in the pipe. You can also do this outside of the pipe and use mechanics wire to hold it. Check to make certain the PVC Bendit stays in the middle of the conduit pieces.
Now we plug the PVC Bendit into the wall outlet and let it heat. Insert the provided digital thermometer in the pipe so you can see when the temperature gets to ~195 degrees F.
After several minutes check the temperature of the pipe and turn it 1/4 turn. Note: The PVC Pipe will always be hottest on the bottom. If you are not alert to this the bottom of the PVC Pipe could be scorched by the heat. Continue to turn the pipe - 1/4 turn each time - as it heats.
You can plug the ends of the pipe to heat it faster. Also you will see some smoke come from the pipe as it heats. While the sleeves were cleaned a trace of oil could remain. It causes no real safety issues but should not be inhaled.
When the pipe reaches around 195 Degrees you can push on the pipe or lift it slightly to determine when it gets soft enough to bend. The ideal bending temperature is around 210 degrees F.
Note: You get better results when the pipe is heated evenly around the full surface of the pipe.
Once the pipe is at its desired softness unplug the PVC Bendit, Remove the BendStation insulation and begin shaping the pipe as desired. You may speed up the cooling using compressed air or wiping the pipe with a wet sponge or rags.
Using a form for the desire bend allows you to place the hot-soft pipe in the form and leave it to cool.
If the pipe ovals use a piece of 1" x 4" or 6" wood to press lightly on the top of the pipe to help get it back to round.
If the pipe wrinkles or gathers on the inside of the bend heat it again, make certain it is heated uniformly and make your bend. Remember this is part science and art. Be patient as you learn the characteristics of PVC pipe.
You can see the selection of PVC Bendits at PVCBendit.com. We offer units with heating surfaces of 3, 6, 9, 10 and 20' length. The Series A units can fit inside 1/2"ID PVC Pipe while the Series B units fit inside 1 1/4" and larger PVC pipe. We have bent 6" PVC pipe using the Series A. It just takes a little longer to reach the bending temperature. The largest pipe we have seen bent is 8 inches and it was bent to a 12 degree angle.
One final note. If you are going to use fittings on the pipe after it is bent we suggest placing a coupler or T on each end before you heat it. This will help the pipe maintain the original shape/roundness until it cools down and you will then replace it with the required fitting on the end.
Call us with any questions.
