Not a very nice 15mm bend

[Bogart]

Attached is a photo of a bend I have done on a piece of 15mm pipe, not very good. I have used the same bender in the past with no problems. I have not stuttered when bending it a nice smooth pull of the bender. Done 3 now all the same.
Bender and former are fine. I know a workman always blames his tools. Is it me, the bender or the pipe?

 

[steadyon]

If you are sure the bender is OK (clean guide, free-running roller), quite likely the pipe. You could give it another try on a piece of Wednesbury copper pipe. E.g. Screwfix 42302. I've always found it good quality and bends well. Some of the cheaper pipe tends to have thinner walls and / or be a harder temper.

You could also try annealing the pipe. Heat to red heat in the bend area, then allow to cool or quench in water. Not really practical if you are doing a lot, but possibly worth it for a few bends if you've already bought the pipe. Make sure it is not annealed anywhere a compression fitting is going, as in soft condition it may not support the olive properly.

 

[Bogart]

Is actually Toolstation pipe, which is Wednesbury according to them. Came across a piece of old 15mm put a 90 deg bend into it no problem. Tried what has been suggested on here and other forums as to tightening the bolts up. Seemed to work now all bends ok. Not sure how that
fixed it though as the bolt was done up I would have thought sufficient but nipped it up a smidge and all seems good. Taken nearly a whole 2m length to get a pice 900mm with a 90 deg on it.

 

[Chuck]

There's a discussion of machine bending including what's known as 'rippling' and a nifty fix using a hacksaw blade as a shim to fix it here:

Wayback Machine

Enjoy!

 

[SimonG]

Wire wool on bender and formers where it will contact the pipe. Always works for me.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Just had one today it’s the copper cut 2” back and bended fine

 

[WC1]

Although it doesn't look good it doesn't affect anything apart from super marginal flow impairment.

 

[Ric2013]

Could be the pipe. However, I usually view rippling as a sign I need to clean and lubricate the guide and former on my bender. Beeswax polish seems to last longest, but anything should work.

 

[Last Plumber]

...Probably the pipe. ...

 

[Bogart]

All okay after I cleaned the thing and nipped up the pivot bolt.