Bending PVC Conduit

[busman]

Does anyone have tricks for holding PVC conduit in the correct shape while it cools? Needed to make a 4-bend saddle with an immediate 3/4 inch offset. Ended up making just the saddle (to clear a 2x10 rim joist on a deck) and using a pre-formed glue-on offset.

Thanks,

Mark

 

[iwire]

Re: Bending PVC Conduit

A quick wooden jig if you are making a lot of bends.

This can be as simple as nails driven into plywood.

Also keeping a bucket of water and a rag with you to cool the PVC once it is in the shape you want helps a lot.

 

[goldstar]

Re: Bending PVC Conduit

I keep a spray bottle (like Windex) along with a pair of heavy duty gloves in my PVC heater box. When I start the project I fill the spray bottle with cold water and keep it next to where I will be making the bend. As soon as you form the bend, reach over and grab the spray bottle and spray down the area that you just bent and it will set up a lot faster than holding it in place for 2 or 3 minutes.

Just a word to the wise - make sure you empty out the heater box before you turn it on. I've already melted 2 spray bottles and burnt up a pair of gloves because I was too hasty and didn't think before I plugged in the heater.

 

[davedottcom]

Re: Bending PVC Conduit

I like Iwire's nails in the plywood idea. I bet that works great.
I've always just used a wet rag...or a handful of snow works great too!

Dave

 

[mdshunk]

Re: Bending PVC Conduit

Greenlee and Gardner-Bender both make jigs for holding PVC while it cools, although I've never used one. I've generally just stacked boxes of materials and such around the PVC to hold it's shape while it cools. If you're making a rack with many of the exact same offset, nails in a sheet of plywood (as mentioned) is the typical approach. Sometimes you need to nail rounded off blocks in strategic areas on the jig to keep from kinking the pipe.

 

[paul]

Re: Bending PVC Conduit

Buckets, wire spools...I use things like that to hold it in place. I also like to have a wet rag handy to cool it off.