Pipe bender advise (and cutting)

[Da Beast]

Hey everyone,

Got a project coming up where I will need to make bends in schedule 40 galvanized pipe up to 1 1/2. Won't be anything too serious and at most the will be a 45 degree bend.

Looking for benders you have used. Not looking for super expensive. I know of the HF types with the hydraulic and if those work that's great. Also want to know what you are using to make clean straight cuts on the pipe. Cutting to length that is.

Thanks and if you need more info let me know.

 

[Noworries]

I have one of those harbor freight benders, used it to make a shower curtain rod with 2 45 bends, worked great. I bought the bender used for 30 bucks.

 

[gmwelder86]

Not much help with the bender but a portaband is perfect for what your asking for. Sawzall works to grinder and cut off wheel, jig saw with metal blade, hacksaw, oxyact torch. Options are limitless.

 

[Da Beast]

didn't even think to get a cut off blade for my radial saw. thanks for the mind jog.

 

[lilredex]

Get a pipe cutter, they cut square every time.

 

[matt_i]

Get a pipe cutter, they cut square every time.

That would be my choice. Portaband is a 1 in 10,000 that it will be truly square.

 

[619DioFan]

I have the 12 ton HF bender for pipe. paid 15.00 for it from a guy on CL. he used it one time . paid for itself the first time I used it. I see them used on CL often.

 

[nelstomlinson]

Get a pipe cutter, they cut square every time.

I second that advice.

Just watch out that the jaws aren't too worn, if you buy used. I borrowed one with a lot of slop, and it wanted to spiral down the pipe. Just carry a little chunk of pipe to the garage sale or pawn shop if you're buying used.

 

[2oolhound]

I like pipe cutters too and have them up to 6" but one thing to keep in mind is they do squeeze the ID of the pipe down a bit mostly on tubing so if you're using inserts it can be a headache. I'll often cut tubing on my vertical band saw for that reason.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

That would be my choice. Portaband is a 1 in 10,000 that it will be truly square.

Seriously! I use one a lot and still never square. Lol.

Side note: my buddy took one of those little circular bubble levels and double stick tape *** to the top of his portaband...neat little trick. I've been meaning to buy one of those little bubbles for 2 years now and I keep forgetting.

 

[dubdoc]

If you were nearer, you could borrow my wall art to cut it. Sorry.

 

[jubilee]

I’ve had a 12 ton HF for over 25 yrs. Don’t know how much 1”-1.5” black pipe I’ve bent with it over the years making porch/stair railings, ladder racks and ect. Wore the jack out about 10 years ago.
Always put a little grease on the die before bending. Although I have plenty pipe cutters, I usually cut pipe with chop saw. About half the cuts are notched for welding.

 

[Da Beast]

I have the 12 ton HF bender for pipe. paid 15.00 for it from a guy on CL. he used it one time . paid for itself the first time I used it. I see them used on CL often.

Dont know if I'm lucky or cursed that I have a HF couple blocks down the street. Not too many selling them used where I am but I will most likely get one new if I can't find one.

 

[crewchief888]

I’ve had a 12 ton HF for over 25 yrs. Don’t know how much 1”-1.5” black pipe I’ve bent with it over the years making porch/stair railings, ladder racks and ect. Wore the jack out about 10 years ago.
Always put a little grease on the die before bending. Although I have plenty pipe cutters, I usually cut pipe with chop saw. About half the cuts are notched for welding.

I bent a LOT of pipe with the HF pipe bender.

all I use to cut pipe with is an older ridged abrasive shop saw., and make any notches with an angle grinder.

I use wd-40 or ANY lube on the dies when i'm bending..