#1 Measure From The Center
When working with pipes, you always need to verify that you are working with the correct size of pipe. The best way to measure a pipe is to place it in the pipe bender so that it is secure, and then measure the length of the pipe, starting at the center and adding up both sides of the pipe.
You can also easily measure the diameter of the pipe when it is held in place with the pipe bender.
#2 Smooth Is Best
When you start out, you are going to want to invest in some practice pipes. …show more content…
Remember to not exert your back, and use your legs to give yourself leverage; most people's legs are stronger than their arms, so use that to your advantage.
#3 Be Prepared For A Little Spring Back
When you use a pipe bender, do not expect the bend that you create to be the bend that you end up with. When you bend a pipe, the pipe generally springs back a little bit and tries to regain its previous shape. Often times, this spring back may be hard to notice to the naked eye, but will be obvious when you measure the pipe to see if the angle you created is correct. In order for your pipes to function correctly, it is vital that you learn to account for the spring back.
The spring back will vary from one type of piping material to the next, and from one machine that you use to the next. Ask your fellow pipe benders for their insight into how much each piping materials springs back on the machines that you use. If no one else works on the pipes, keep detailed records so you can identify and figure out for yourself how much each piping material springs back into place.
Once you have secured this information, be sure to account for the spring back when you bend a