Pivot shoes are marked for various pipe sizes and are
PORTABLE PIPE BENDERS.--Portable pipe
simply rotated in the frame to match the size of pipe
benders, commonly referred to as one-shot benders, are
being bent. They may also be required to be moved to
lightweight, hydraulic-powered, portable units that can
different settings in the frame to match pipe diameter.
be taken to the job site so that pipe can bent on site rather
An optic angle gauge is provided to measure the degree
than in the shop. Portable pipe benders are designed to
of bend in the pipe.
work with pipe up to 5 inches and are capable of being
operated by one person. If properly used and
After the machine is set up, you are ready to bend
maintained, they can produce acceptable bends in all
a section of pipe. Simply mark the center of your bend
types of pipe and tube.
on a section of pipe and insert it into the bending shoe.
Ensure that it extends beyond the pivot shoes a
The portable pipe benders have two major
sufficient distance. If the pipe is cut too short, it could
components: the bender frame, with a removable
slip off the pivot shoes while being bent due to the
hydraulic cylinder, and a hydraulic power unit (see fig.
stretching of the pipe. Align the mark on your pipe with
16-12). The hydraulic power unit is connected to the
the arrow on the bending shoe and snug the pipe into
hydraulic cylinder with flexible hydraulic hoses.
the shoes. Check your angle gauge; it should read zero
Bender control is accomplished by a three-position (off,
along the line scribe on the bender frame. Proceed to
advance, and retract) valve located on the hydraulic
bend your pipe, watching the optical angle gauge until
unit. Bending is accomplished by the use of a bending
the desired angle of bend is reached. When the bend is
shoe attached to the ram of the hydraulic cylinder and
complete, retract the cylinder and remove the section of
two pivot shoes pinned in the frame. Bending shoes
must be changed to match the size of pipe being bent.
pipe.
1.
Hydraulic cylinder
5.
1 l/4-in. shoe
9.
3-in. shoe
13.
Pivot pins
2.
Bender frame
6.
1 1/2-in. shoe
10.
3 l/2-in. shoe
14.
Optic angle gauge
3.
Pump and hoses
7.
2-in. shoe
11.
4-in. shoe
15.
Bend pipe hose
Shoe lock pin
4.
8.
2 1/2-in. shoe
12.
Pivot shoes
16.
Eject pipe hose
Figure 16-12.--Portable pipe bender components and assembly.
16-12