Is there any place on the internet where you can learn how to bend conduit?

Question

Im an electrician apprentice and have no commercial or industiral experience yet. Just got a job at a new shop that only does industrial. They put lots of emphasis on coduit bending. And is there any tools that will come in handy that I didint need when i was doing residential?

Answer 1

You will need a 1/2" and 3/4" conduit bender.  Your employer should supply any larger than that.  Save any scrap pipe you can get and practice.  Bending pipe is one of those things that you really can't learn by reading about it.  Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Give the 10 to WoodTick. The tool suggested is not prohibitely expensive, and you need it and use it for your entire career.

   I suspect you understand why that is a major issue, and has been since we all got tired of cutting, and adding connectors for angles.

Steven Wolf

Just my two "sense"

Answer 3

If bending rigid. Chicago style, take a scrap pipe and bend a 90 degree bend. on the back shoe where the pipe rest put a mark. (before you bend) Bend your 90 be sure its true. put a mark on the pipe by the back shoe. measure from mark to mark, Now if you need to bend an offset use a 45 bend. a true 45 will be half the distance the pipe moved on the 90 degree bend. http://www.coxco.net/Conduit_pipe_Bendin...

This book will teach you all you need to know, Good investment for an electrician wanting to do quality work. I own this book and it is the best.

Answer 4

A stud punch is one tool.

But the company should supply that.

I have a conduit bender.

I use it once in a while to bend copper for water lines.

Guy, it's really easy.

Since you're an apprentice, there is absolutely no shame in asking a journeyman how to do it.

I've been a master licensed plumber for most my life now. Been licensed in two states, and still have to ask from time to time how to do something.

You are always learning in this. So, never be afraid to ask.

Anyway, mine has a arrow and star for the starting and measurement points.

You'll do good.

Answer 5

The best way to learn to bend conduit is to do it.

The best book on the subject is "Benfield's Guide to Conduit Bending", there is a work book that goes with it. If the JATC has not provided you with these resources, shame on them. Ask your Instructor why they don't use them.

Ugly's also has some useful info on bending pipe, as does Dr. Watts.

Until you get the hang of it, find a journeyman who seems to have a little patience, and ask for a few pointers.

Most benders come with a handle that has tables for saddles, offsets, etc. You will probably need someone to explain them to you, don't be afraid to ask (more than once, if you need to). Remember, questions are cheaper than wasted pipe.

Even more important than a good bender is a good reamer. Klein makes one that fits into a cordless drill chuck (they have the same model built into a screwdriver for tightening EMT set-s***w type clamps); buy one, and use it after EVERY cut – get into the habit of reaming any cut-off pieces that are long enough to be re-used as soon as you cut them. It will save time in the long run, especially after you’ve learned you forgot to debur a length after you’ve pulled the wires and energized the circuit.

Answer 6

When you get on the jobsite, explain to your JW that you are new at pipe bending.  Ask him to show you how on a couple of pieces and then get many scrap pieces to practice on after work and on the job.  There  6 or 8 very basic bends to master.

1, 90 stub up.

2. 45 degree bend

3. 30 degree bend

4. box off set if it is EMT

5. saddle bends 3 bend

6. 30 degree offset

7. Back to back stub ups.

   Also learn to use the trig tables,  cosecant, and sine.  These are some of the most basic math that all JW need.  You are entering a very rewarding career. If you are in a union shop, we can hope, the shop should supply the tools you will need except the basic handtools. There should be a tool list in your contract. Good Luck.