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Bending Cast Iron Pipe

While the bending of cast iron pipe may not seem practicable at first thought, it may be done, the method used being indicated in Fig.14. The length of pipe to be bent is supported at either end on two brick or stone piers, and in the center, or at the point where the bend is to be made, a third support is built, of such height as to produce the proper amount of curve in the pipe. A fire is then built around the pipe at the point where the bend is to be made. As the heat increases, the pipe will gradually bend at the desired point, falling of its own weight until it rests upon the middle support. No other assistance should be given in bending cast iron pipe, than its own weight, and it should be allowed to cool without moving it, and without the use of water, as it is liable to become cracked.

This was taken from the book "Questions and Answers on the Practice and Theory of Sanitary Plumbing, Volume III, Practical Wrinkles", which was published in 1919.

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