Things You'll Need
Bending machine
Metal conduit
Use bending machines to bend metal pipe and tubing. Different bending machines exist to handle each of these two different types of metal conduit. Hand-held machines clamp to a work surface for stability and bend thin metal tubing. Larger, heavy-duty hydraulic machines connect to air pumps to increase torque and bend thick metal pipe. Each machine usually comes equipped with an angle-measure to ensure the proper degree of bend. Identify whether tubing or pipe needs bending, and chose the appropriate bending machine for the job.
Hand Held Bending Machine
Step 1
Clamp the bending machine to a flat work surface so that it is upright and secure.
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Step 2
Rotate the upper, short handle to a position above the bender.
Step 3
Open the latch to make way for insertion of the tube. Insert the tube into the tube groove.
Step 4
Close the latch around the tube to hold it in place. Lower the upper, short handle until the roll dies rest against the tube and the angle-measure is aligned at zero degrees. Close the latch firmly to clamp down tightly on the tube.
Step 5
Press the upper, short handle down until the zero on the roll-support aligns with the desired bend degree on the angle-measure.
Step 6
Rotate the upper, short handle upward to release the newly bent tube.
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Hydraulic Bending Machine
Step 1
Connect the hydraulic bending machine to an air compressor or hydraulic pump. Pull back the brass coupling ring on the compressor or pump's hose and slide it onto the machine's connector. Release the ring to secure the connection.
Step 2
Set the machine's groove to receive the diameter of pipe for bending. Do this by moving the machine's pin to the appropriate setting.
Step 3
Slide the pipe into the machine's groove so that the point of the intended bend rests atop the zero point of the angle-measure.
Step 4
Turn on the compressor or pump.
Step 5
Unlock the machine's safety lock and allow the machine to move and bend the pipe until the indicator on the angle-measure reaches the desired degree of bend.
Step 6
Close the safety lock on the bender to stop the bending process. Turn off the compressor or pump.
Warning
Remove all jewelry before operating a hydraulic bender. Replace any loose-fitting clothing with tight-fitting clothing. Contain any long hair. Keep hands away from the hydraulic press while it is in operation.