Copper Pipe Bending

[purpleplumber]

Hi,
Can anyone help?
I am using a new Heavy Duty Pipe Bender and the 15mm pipe is throating/rippling. I am putting the guide on so I can't see where I am going wrong. :banghead:

Thanks
Sue

 

[tamz]

If it is a cheap machine or imported pipe it will do this. Slip a hacksaw blade or something thin under the guide to tighten it up.

 

[SimonJohns]

Also warm the pipe slightly.
Make sure the forms are clean

 

[Halesowen1]

Usually get this if the guides are too lose, or very worn.

 

[Resolute]

Try pulling the bend slower too.

 

[Guest123]

Unfortunately much of the copper that is on sale right now is cheap imported tube that is terrible for bending either with a spring or a machine and ripples far too easily. No real remedy I'm afraid except to buy good quality kitemarked UK copper.

 

[Barry98]

dint i read on here one time to put some vaseline on

 

[dontknowitall]

I found this happened when learning. Was taught to:

(One or two repetitions of above)

Tighten the clip thingy that holds the pipe
Check the alignment of the guide
Use decent and reasonably new copper tube
Bend continuously - that is, don't bend a little, stop, bend some more, stop again, etc.
Start slowly and finish slowly
Make sure pipe doesn't slip during bending
Finally, if you need to adjust a bend, mark the pipe before you take it out of the benders so you can re-seat it in the same place for the next attempt - better still, just get it right first time!

 

[AWheating]

cleaning the former and guides with wire wool will help, tighten all bolts on the maching and a thin piece of metal on top of the guide to if all else fails. I have brought a 6" metal ruler for such things.

if its still rippling id use a elbow

 

[Best]

If there is a little rust/ corrosion at all on formers & guides then even a good bender will ripple or dent pipes. Clean really well with steel wool as any rain makes a mess of them. A little oiling helps. An adjustable bender is handy for getting best tightness.

 

[Micky T]

You are probably not doing anything wrong, it used to be unheard off to get ripples bending 15mm pipe with a decent bender, I'm having the same problem myself. Bendable copper tube should be "Table X half hard to BS EN 1057 1996".This would normally be etched on the pipe if it is genuine.
The non Table X pipe usually from abroad is too hard not annealed properly and not only does it ripple but compression fittings can fly off because the olive doesn't bite into the pipe.we need to chase up the suppliers.

 

[Barry98]

I hope they've learnt now Micky it was two year ago lol

 

[Micky T]

Us old boys don't notice dates

 

[supper plumb]

please post a pic of benders and bent pipe please

 

[Ermintrude]