Bending pipes

[Jorg 50]

I am bending a pipe to make a gate if the pipe diameter is 1/2, 3/4, 1 inch there is the need to subtract the pipe diameter to make the second bend and the outside dimensions are right. That is with the right dies for the bending machine, but if the pipe is 1 1/4, 1 1/2 and more subtrating the pipe diameter the outside dimension doesn´t come right. Is there any formula that I don´t know? What is the procedure that you use. I hope i made myself clear.
Thanks in advance for any help.

[brucer]

are you using the correct radius value when going to the larger pipe/tubing?

[Jorg 50]

Originally Posted by brucer

are you using the correct radius value when going to the larger pipe/tubing?

Yes I am. Every time the pipe diameter is changed the radius becomes diffrent, they all come with the bending machine, there is a snug fit for the pipe. How do yo do it??

[tessdad]

Sometimes the easiest way is a modified hunt and peck method. On a new set of dies I mark up (and write down the measurements) the pipe to get me what I think will work, and make my bends. If I'm spot on, then those measurements get saved, if I'm off by a bit, I add or subtract from the saved info.

If I wanted to get 30" between bends, and I ended up with 31 1/2", I subtract 1 1/2" form the previous location of the second bend.

[brucer]

yep, i will do a 90deg test bend then measure it to make sure of the clr

[mlmeyers]

When I started bending, I made test bends for common angles 30,45,60,90. I marked where the die pinched slighty at the start of the bend (small scuff mark on the tubing) as well as where the end of the bend is. I also marked an easy point that I can measure off of. For me I marked where the tube came out of the die which will always be the same for every bend I make (about 1.5"). Then I mark an outline with measurements of what I want to bend out on a flat surface (shop floor for big items) and using my prebent templates mark where each bend would need to start on a given corner. Double checking my marks after each bend was made. Hope this helped

[WHughes]

You need to know about 'take offs' and 'set backs' and how to use them correctly. There are formulas to use so that there is no need to waste material.

[midGAoutdoor]

Originally Posted by WHughes

You need to know about 'take offs' and 'set backs' and how to use them correctly. There are formulas to use so that there is no need to waste material.

well im all ears. thinking of getting a bender from HF and well quite frankly i dont know how to use it