S/S pipe bending

[PabloPicasso]

How do you bend Stainless steel pipe without kinking it. Do you need a specialist pipe bender tool, or can it be done without?

If so, how?

 

[pmagowan]

For what function, size of pipe etc? Some people use pre-formed 90 degree bends and a welder to get things made. I know of some that use sand to fill pipe and a standard pipe bender but there always seems to be a slight deformity. SS work hardens IIRC so makes things tricky. I am looking into bending some small gauge pipe for fuel lines but night just use fittings to do the job.

 

[PabloPicasso]

It's a boarding ladder, the shape of a straight one doesn't suit the stern. It would be a gentle curve of no more than 30 degrees at a guess

 

[vyv_cox]

I needed to put two shallow bends into a boarding ladder made from 1 inch tubing, 1.5 mm wall thickness. I used a pipe bender of the type used for steel conduit. Fortunately it was bolted to the floor as it took a 6 ft extension on the handle and considerable force to put about 5-10 degree bends into the two. I doubt very much that I could have got to 30 degrees with that machine.

 

[DownWest]

Find someone with a bender. Exhaust fabricaters might be able to help. 30° should not be a problem. If already fabricated, it will take several goes on each tube, so a bit fiddly.

 

[cherod]

Not an easy diy , for fuel lines small bends can be done with small portable ( not v expensive ) tool but for boarding ladder ( 1 “ ) type thing a tool os expensive , best take it to local fab shop to get it done ( need to insulate the pipe from the bender unless already suitable for ss .

 

[ctva]

This is what I used to fabricate 22mmm and 25mm tubing for a solar panel support.
Bending Stainless Tube

Bolted it to a 4' scaffold plank held in a bench vice along with an extra Wheetabix for breakfast.

It is in a whole thread on pipe bending.

 

[coopec]

It's a boarding ladder, the shape of a straight one doesn't suit the stern. It would be a gentle curve of no more than 30 degrees at a guess

I have a pipe bender but i wouldn't dream of trying to bend ss tube myself. I paid about $20 for each bend. (I reasoned if I Made a mistake it was going to be expensive)
Of course where it is a feature on the yacht the bends have to be precise.

 

[PabloPicasso]

I have a pipe bender but i wouldn't dream of trying to bend ss tube myself. I paid about $20 for each bend. (I reasoned if I Made a mistake it was going to be expensive)
Of course where it is a feature on the yacht the bends have to be precise

View attachment 136554

Hmmmm, I'll have to think again. Or pay to get one fabricated perhaps. I wonder if I could fit a second shorter ladder low down so it flips down into the water.

 

[DownWest]

Hmmmm, I'll have to think again. Or pay to get one fabricated perhaps. I wonder if I could fit a second shorter ladder low down so it flips down into the water.

Unless the ladder has a couple of steps under the water, it is not much use if you are swimming (for whatever reason..) So that would indicate a folding lower section, that can be easily pulled down by a person in the water.

 

[DownWest]

I have a pipe bender but i wouldn't dream of trying to bend ss tube myself. I paid about $20 for each bend. (I reasoned if I Made a mistake it was going to be expensive)
Of course where it is a feature on the yacht the bends have to be precise.

View attachment 136554

Just curious as to having the kit, but not using it?
That looks nice and obviously folds up. Bending SS tube is not difficult, just a bit more grunt needed than steel. I made a version of the Machine Mart type tube bender, but a bit heavier and with DIY ally roll formers, it bends 25mm SS on a 90mm radius, up to 180°. Not needed more than 90° yet.. There is a little flattening of the top of the curve, but acceptable. Cost was not much, but some time to fabricate it and turn the formers, so not paid for itself yet.

 

[coopec]

Just curious as to having the kit, but not using it?
That looks nice and obviously folds up. Bending SS tube is not difficult, just a bit more grunt needed than steel. I made a version of the Machine Mart type tube bender, but a bit heavier and with DIY ally roll formers, it bends 25mm SS on a 90mm radius, up to 180°. Not needed more than 90° yet.. There is a little flattening of the top of the curve, but acceptable. Cost was not much, but some time to fabricate it and turn the formers, so not paid for itself yet.

I've got a pipe bender because it was given to me!

I have used it when bending tubes during the motor installation where "prettiness" was not important.

 

[cherod]

I have a pipe bender but i wouldn't dream of trying to bend ss tube myself. I paid about $20 for each bend. (I reasoned if I Made a mistake it was going to be expensive)
Of course where it is a feature on the yacht the bends have to be precise.

View attachment 136554

I can not imagine why someone would have ( paid for presumably ) the equipment and then pay someone else to do the work ??

 

[coopec]

I can not imagine why someone would have ( paid for presumably ) the equipment and then pay someone else to do the work ??

Can we ask who does your shoelaces up for you each morning?

 

[dgadee]

Going rate seems to be £10 a bend. I did ladders and a solar panel support.

 

[cherod]

Can we ask who does your shoelaces up for you each morning?

I can not imagine why someone would hire a butler then do their own shoe laces , but you may do .

 

[coopec]

Going rate seems to be £10 a bend. I did ladders and a solar panel support.

I think it is money well spent particularly on something like a ladder where dissimilar curves can look obvious and raise questions about the standard of workmanship. ($20 a bend in Australia)

 

[PCUK]

If you are anywhere near Tiverton or fancy a run up here I will do it for you.