Bending pipe

admin

I am about to begin fabricating a hand rail that is curved and sloped. It is all round material. I haven't worked with round material very much. The architectural detail calls for 1 5/8" OD top rail and 1" solid round bar bottom rail. Is there a reason that using 1" solid would be better than using 1" OD pipe? Thanks.
Reply:I dunno, depends on how you plan to bend it. But, trust me when I say that, it will be easier to do the stupid detail as drawn, rather than try to convince the architect that you know better.Ian TannerKawasaki KX450 and many other fine tools
Reply:I think ADA code calls for 1.25" - 2" OD.  I use 1 1/2" sch 40 for hand rails (1 7/8"OD) many people use 1 1/4" sch40 which would be your 1 5/8"OD. easily bent with one of the $99 cheap pipe benders.
Reply:I actually already sent an email to the architect and she said I could do it either way. I will just be bending it on a Eagle CP 30.
Reply:The rule is actually 4"-6" circumference on the handrail pipe, so 1.35" OD to 1.90" OD. The reason for the 1" solid bottom rail, depending on actual dimensions of where it is located, can either be for ADA code "wheelchair guide" or because he is getting more money without anyone knowing.
Reply:Sounds like you've got a reasonable architect, I've been dealing with a real PITA on a recent job.1"x.120" wall round tube will bend pretty much the same as 1" round bar if you use the proper size dies. The solid bar will be more forgiving of using improper sized dies. The 1" round bar will be stronger than the tube and will require more passes to get the desired radius.Last edited by fortyonethirty; 02-04-2013 at 06:09 PM.Ian TannerKawasaki KX450 and many other fine tools
Reply:I'm pretty sure the inspector won't pass it if you use 1" railing on the upper part. They are picky around Ca at least.  The lower one is a wheelchair guide like country metals said. Ca actually has it's own set of rules, which are not the same as ADA.  Most of the inspectors don't even know the code. If the architect OK'ed it, I would hold on to the paper trail so do you get stuck with the bill.
Reply:Thanks for your help fellas.
Reply:CP30 will radius either just fine. It will not make bends though. With either you can band in a tube/pipe bender (hossfeld, et al), or you can do it hot.