How to Mold PVC
There are a variety of reasons to bend or mold PVC pipe. Craft projects, green houses and lawn ornaments can all be made using molded PVC. Molding PVC to form a curve or a bend can save money by eliminating the need for one or more fittings.
Things You Will Need
- PVC pipe
- PVC caps
- Sand
- Heat source
- Leather gloves
- Cold water bath
While the process of molding PVC is not difficult, there are some tricks to help ensure that the results are worth the effort.
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Cap one end of the pipe and tightly pack it with sand. Cap the other end.
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Put on leather gloves for protection and use a heat gun or other high heat source to heat the PVC until it is soft. Keep the PVC at least an inch and a half from the heat source so it doesn't burn.
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Slowly bend the PVC into shape. The sand will ensure that the pipe stays round and doesn't kink or flatten.
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Hold the PVC in shape until it cools. Dip it into cold water to speed the cooling time.
Tip
To create the same bend over and over, make a jig.
Warning
Never leave flames or heat sources unattended. Work in a ventilated area.
References
Tips
- To create the same bend over and over, make a jig.
Warnings
- Never leave flames or heat sources unattended.
- Work in a ventilated area.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
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