On Sun, 08 Jan 2006 01:10:07 GMT, Robert Allison
wrote:

C5Ya wrote:

I have a project where I need to bend 1 1/2" PVC into a half circle
with a radius of 3-4 feet. I know it can be bent once it's heated but
I don't know how hot it needs to be and the best method to accomplish
this. Any help or ideas would be apprediated.

TIA

C5Ya

Rather than buying a heater made specifically to bend PVC, you
can use this trick; Acquire a 5-6' length of 3" stove pipe
(single wall). Place one end over the tailpipe of your truck
and start the motor. Place the pipe you want to bend into the
pipe and leave it there for about 20 minutes. Bend it to the
shape you want and hold it in that position until it cools.

I have always found that it is best to over bend it, as it
will attempt to return to its original shape even after
cooling down a bit.

That is a unique idea.....
I know they do make commercial benders, but you'll need $$$
If the tailpipe method works, the OP might be able to use a car tire
for the "mold" to get the proper shape. It sounds like about that
size.