Hotbox vs Blanket

[scwirenut]

Im in the market for a versatile pvc bender. I would like 1/2- 4" . what are the pros and cons of each, also please list all the tricks... thanks

[ultramegabob]

in my experiance, hot boxes work faster, but blankets are nice because you can wrap them around pvc that is already installed. Its a good idea to get a set of conduit plugs to hold the heat inside the pipe while you are working with it.

[stickboy1375]

Buy both, you will need both... I use both, they both have advantages in certain applications... :grin:

[s.sparkomatic.r09]

dont get the blanket get the hot box

[ultramegabob]

dont get the blanket get the hot box

what is your reasoning?

[stickboy1375]

in my experiance, hot boxes work faster, but blankets are nice because you can wrap them around pvc that is already installed. Its a good idea to get a set of conduit plugs to hold the heat inside the pipe while you are working with it.


Hot boxes are great for making multiple bends quick and easy, but like you said, blankets are for great for tight quarters and the blankets are smaller in length for just making offsets, at least the 1/2" to 1 1/2" blanket. The 2" - 3" blanket is full size. I have all three.

[stickboy1375]

dont get the blanket get the hot box


I dont see how you can just use one type.

[ultramegabob]

If I was only going to choose one, I would probably get the blanket, overall its more versitile.

[stickboy1375]

If I was only going to choose one, I would probably get the blanket, overall its more versitile.


Yep, me too, at least for starters, eventually get the hot box though, it is very useful. or just stick with manufactured fittings...:grin:

[ultramegabob]

its handy to have a cheap heatgun on hand also at times.

[stickboy1375]

its handy to have a cheap heatgun on hand also at times.


I forgot about that, I keep that on my truck, works excellent, a little slow with 1" but gets the job done.

[ultramegabob]

I forgot about that, I keep that on my truck, works excellent, a little slow with 1" but gets the job done.

I have bent a saddle in a stick of 2" pvc with a heat gun, it takes a while, but it can be done.

[scwirenut]

im mainly wanting to save on fittings for 2-1/2"-4". are the plugs really needed, or are there other tricks?

[ultramegabob]

you can buy cheap plumbing pvc caps, or just use duct tape, or shove a rag in the pipe.

edit- if you go to a plumbing supply house, plumbing expansion plugs cost less than greenlee pvc conduit plugs do....

[fireryan]

We also just use the duct tape on the ends and no plugs. It seems to work pretty good and is inexpensive

[benaround]

im mainly wanting to save on fittings for 2-1/2"-4". are the plugs really needed, or are there other tricks?

Sounds like mostly underground type work, for me, I'd go with the hot box.

The caps or plugs are the trick, duct tape doesn't do the trick for me.

[quogueelectric]

Im in the market for a versatile pvc bender. I would like 1/2- 4" . what are the pros and cons of each, also please list all the tricks... thanks look on ebay for an induction heater pvc bender. I think you will like what you see.

[rustyryan34]

I say if you are going to be making alot of bends at one time it is alot easier to do it with a hotbox, but like it has been already said a blanket is alot more versatile.

[electricalperson]

i use a hotbox more than a blanket but a blanket has its benefits

[norcal]

Is it true that the blanket has a limited life in comparison to a hot box? Had heard that but would like it know if it's a fable or not.

[macmikeman]

Like it has been said here plenty, if you are trying to stay in front of a bunch of block installers or some other type of mason crew, there is nothing as useful as a hot box. You can get the pipe warmed up and then pull it out and use it when ready, and leave a half dozen in the box waiting for their turn.

[Pullnwire]

I use a roofing type flamethrower torch, with a built in igniter. The flame is not as hot as the mapp gas torch I use for 1/2 or 3/4, but a whole lot more btu's. I dont hardly ever scorch the pipe with it. I can turn 2"into a wet noode in about 1 minute.

[active1]

Hot box...

[ultramegabob]

Is it true that the blanket has a limited life in comparison to a hot box? Had heard that but would like it know if it's a fable or not.

Im sure a box is more durable, but I have never seen a blanket go bad myself, and it probably has alot to do with who is using/abusing them.

[hillbilly]

I have bent a saddle in a stick of 2" pvc with a heat gun, it takes a while, but it can be done.

I once used a heat gun to bend a 45 in a 2 1/2" sch. 80 riser.
It took a while.
You have to stay out of or block the wind to do this:smile:.

I'm not sure how this relates to the second sentence of 352.24:rolleyes: .

steve

[ishium 80439]

IMO the box is the way to go. As others have stated the primary benefit of the blanket is its flexibility w/ pipe that is installed but for production the box is the way to go. I worked for a company that did fueling stations and car washes as about 70% of their business (translation- lots and lots of PVC). Every truck had a hot box on it but I don't think I saw a blanket for the 2 years I worked there. It has been my experiece that blankets are more prone to malfunction. The heat gun is also a great tool for pipe that is in place. I have heated 3" w/ it to influence it around a brick course that was protruding from the rest of the wall. I placed a piece of sheet metal (scrap from the tin knocker) behind it to help contain the heat and so it would reflect on the back side of the pipe.

[bbaumer]

Warning: Don't put your pipe in the hotbox, decide you probably should get a pair of gloves and leave it unattended. When you return to the box only a a minute later the pipe will be melted and smoking badly and your boss won't be happy. Even if you use the excuse it was your first time bending PVC. You will also be ribbed about it for a long time. :)

[220/221]

I had a blanket years ago. It worked well but only worked for a few weeks.

I have a hotbox but never really use it. I generally do my own trenching so manufactured fittings are the way to go. You can cut a 90 to any degree bend you want. Just heat up the cut end with a torch if it is out of round.....and don't let an anal retentive inspector see you do it.

im mainly wanting to save on fittings for 2-1/2"-4". are the plugs really needed, or are there other tricks?

In the field, time is money. Buy the 90's

If you do a lot of work you could set up and make them at home or in your warehouse. I made a bunch of 90's in the oven one time. The wife wasn't too happy but it worked well. You will need a bigger oven for the 2 1/2 to 4" stuff.