Bending 7/8 and up K copper

[rodthetoolman]

What equipment do I need to bend large diameter K copper. I need to bend 7/8, 1-1/8 and 1-3/8 OD KACR tubing.

[OkieBill]

I would talk to your Electrician of choice... They are in the habit of bending larger EMT / ridgid conduit which would be like bending copper.

HVAC guys and plumbers typically braze or solder (braze for HVAC sweat for plumbers) in fittings to make turns on pipe over 7/8".

Bill

[BHD]

I was thinking of suggesting conduit benders as well,

[wbrooks]

Not sure if it will apply to the largest sizes but I have heard that if you fill the pipe with sand it will help prevent collapsing or kinking the pipe

[Bob D.]

Parker should have what you need in a manual or hydraulic bender.

www.parker.com (http://www.parker.com)

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[rjm78]

Not sure if it will apply to the largest sizes but I have heard that if you fill the pipe with sand it will help prevent collapsing or kinking the pipe

Good go man, please don't do this if it's an HVAC application.

My advice, braze in elbows and be done with it. Even 7/8 is a bear to work with.

[stokefire7]

What equipment do I need to bend large diameter K copper. I need to bend 7/8, 1-1/8 and 1-3/8 OD KACR tubing.

Curious why anyone would want to bend Cu that big ?

[breid1903]

they do it on race cars all the time at indy, nascar and formula 1. they pack tube with sand, then heat it in big ovens. then use benders similar to ones for conduit or exhaust pipe. maintains a smooth bend on inside radius, not a crinkle job like tailpipes..............if it was me, i would try it with a piece. we heat some tube with a heat gun to help bend it. sometimes a torch. experiment till you find what works for you. bend ssssllllooowwwlllyyy. breid........:party-on:

[wbrooks]

Thanks Breid, i could not for the life of me remember where I heard the sand pack trick