Microbore basics

[kiteweight]

Couldn't find this in the forum so apologies if there is already an answer there.

I need to bend 8mm pipe 90 degrees and bought a mini bender. No matter what I do, the pipe always flattens. Is the pipe too hard and would heating help or is the bender useless? In any case, any hints and tips for bending 8mm pipe without flattening or kinking would be appreciated.

 

[ChrisR]

You could TRY heating the pipe...
I have 3.
One has a big roller and two bollard looking bits and a pair of handles like plier handles - useless.
The other two are the same pattern exactly, one hilmor and one rothenberger. The rothy always ripples the pipe.
Just bad quality.
If they squeeze the pipe too little or too much , no good. You might be able to experimant with a "stop" on the squeeze dimension to alter it.

I have got springs somewhere, which work but not as neatly.

 

[Agile]

Its always quicker and easier and often neater to use elbow fittings.

Tony

 

[Biggles..]

Sometimes i find it easier to bend 8mm pipe in the 10mm guide depending on make of bender. God knows why but avoids the problem.
Lee

 

[HarrogateGas]

I swear by my external spring. Never fails me and the cheapest to buy.