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Softening 1/2 inch copper pipe for bending.

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PAUL161

PAUL161

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I want to soften 1/2 inch hard copper pipe so I can bend it to the shape I want as I don't want any soldered joints. I'm not that well versed on copper. I thought of using thin steel tubing, but copper is more maintenance free. I want to make up heater lines for the TF, but I don't want them to look like an after thought. Any clues? PJ
 
Thanks Rick. I checked that out and it's worth looking into further. PJ
 
Also, there are "sleeves" available, kinda look like skinny "Slinkie" toys. Fit over the O.D. and help prevent kinks.
 
Bending M-type copper "tubing" is different from bending hard L-type copper "pipe".

Hard drawn piping requires a dedicated pipe bender as it doesn't anneal well, and even then the results are inconsistent. Bending hard tubing is illegal under just about every plumbing code I've ever encountered for that reason.
 
Well, looking at the 72, as we all know, it has a steel tube supplying the return line from the heater, I think steel tubing might be the easiest way to go. I know I can bend it. Still looking though. PJ
 
Nial, is there any benefit on using K type over the regular soft copper tubing? PJ
 
aeronca65t said:
I can't really say. K-type is a bit thicker in terms of the wall. L-type (which I guess is what you mean by "regular" soft copper) has a slightly thinner wall but it should be OK too.
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Yeah, I see no reason why regular copper tubing won't work, seeing how there's no pressure to mention involved. 7 lbs I could almost use a soda straw if the heat was considerably less. :jester:. I think one is measured from the inside and the other outside. Not sure on that though. PJ
 
Copper tubing can be bent by heating it, it then becomes soft. Same is done with copper used on roofing, heat and bend, reheat band bend more, dip in water to cool after heating.
 
Thanks Jack, I wasn't sure if the hard copper could be bent without distortion. PJ
 
I think it will be difficult to make anything with the radius that I assume you need (about 1 in?) with anything but the soft annealed copper. Problem with that stuff is that it is that it is hard to keep the straight parts straight and the bends true when working by hand. Not that it can't be done, just fussy work. Tom
 
TomMull said:
I think it will be difficult to make anything with the radius that I assume you need (about 1 in?) with anything but the soft annealed copper. Problem with that stuff is that it is that it is hard to keep the straight parts straight and the bends true when working by hand. Not that it can't be done, just fussy work. Tom
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I know what you mean Tom. That's why I wanted to use hard copper, as I don't want it to look like a cobbled up job. Most guys solder elbows on their pipes and they look good, but I want to eliminate the look of joined plumbing. I'm also giving thought of thin wall steel tubing, which I know I can bend using the sand method, a tubing bender and heat. PJ
 
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