How to Build a Tubing Bender

There are different kinds of tubing bender namely; square tubing bender, small tubing bender, manual tubing bender, automatic tubing benders. The procedure mentioned below will teach us how to build a tubing bender along with tips for building the same, so read on to learn how to make your own tubing bender. The procedure involved should be followed thoroughly so that the pipes that are bent are completely leak proof, hence saving you the additional cost of plumbing by doing the work efficiently.

Tubing Bender Instructions

• If you need a large bending, you will require an internal spring bender while, smaller one having a size of up to 10 mm, will require an external bender.
• At one end of the internal spring, tie another string which will help you remove the string after you finish bending.
• The tapered end of the string bender should be inserted into the tubing.
• In order to get the desired bend, apply pressure by both the hands to the string. For creating a curve from the band, you can make use of your knees or feet.
• In order to slide the spring out, bend the tubing by pulling the string.

Build a Tubing Bender

1. The materials used for building the tube bender in the procedure mentioned below can be replaced by other materials. But, these materials are easy to use, and I am sure that beginners will find them very comfortable to use.
2. The materials required to build a tubing bender are; two 8 foot 2x4 inch blocks, two 2x10 inches blocks, two 16 inches 4x4 blocks, four 8 inches of concrete bolts, six 6 inch self tapping wood bolts, two 4 inch fulcrum wheels, two 8 inch axle bolts, two 2 inch rise angle brackets, drill, ratchet/ wrench/sockets, tape measure and any type of handsaw.
3. Attach two blocks of size 4x4 inch to a solid surface. These blocks should be placed at a distance of 8 feet from each other. The solid surface made of concrete and consisting of concrete bolts, are the most suitable ones. Two bolts should be attached to each block and should be placed at a distance of 2 inches from the edge.
4. Drill a hole which should be 1/8 of an inch larger, than the tubing you want.
5. Tie a wheel of diameter 4 inches, using two angular brackets. A suitable locking nut and bolt should be used for this purpose. In order for the wheel to flush with the edge of the tubing hole, mount the wheel with the bracket's assembly. This wheel can be fixed at a particular position with the tubing bent around it.
6. After attaching this fixed wheel, remove the wheel and axle bolt for the time being in such a way, that it goes through 2 brackets and one wheel.
7. Drill a hole through one of the fixed wheel axle, at least 2 inches from the end.
8. Fix the posts of size 2x4 with an 8 inch axle bolt on one of the sides of the fixed wheel. Instead of axle bolts, you can use other suitable posts also. Tighten the locking nut and allow free movement of the posts of size 2x4.
9. Brace the posts with a small piece of size 2x4 at the opposite end where the fixed wheel axle is screwed. Both these ends will provide an additional support which will avoid bending.
10. The posts of size 2x4 will form the lever of the tubing bender.
11. Now attach the second roller wheel having a diameter of 4 inches.
12. From the fixed wheel, lay down the lever arm. With the desired bending point in mind, insert the tubing into the hole in line with the fixed top wheel. Over the moving roller wheel of the tubing, rotate the lever arm until you have achieved a fixed angle, and then bend the fixed wheel.

The more advanced ways of constructing tubing benders involves hydraulics, however, the tips and procedures mentioned above show a simple way of how to build a tubing bender. Following this easy method, you can create your own bender at home, which will be convenient and easy to use.