Working with conduit

raykos · Nov 4, 2008

Hi all,

Been thinking about using 1/2" EMT conduit to make a rack to attach to the ROPS of my JD2305. Don't plan on using it for anything heavy or big, so metal conduit should be strong enough; however, I'm finding that fittings are a problem...they're more expensive than I thought, plus can't find things like normal elbows & tees. So, I bought a 1/2" EMT conduit bender, and it will bend the conduit 90 degrees with a 5" radius.

But, now I'm wondering; are there any tips or tricks to bend the conduit tighter than a 5" radius? Also, if I want to make something resembling a ladder, is there a way to attach the rungs to the rails, since I can't find any conduit tees? I was thinking about using 1/2' metal pipe clamps?

Thanks,
Ray

Lunk · Nov 4, 2008

raykos said:
Hi all,

Been thinking about using 1/2" EMT conduit to make a rack to attach to the ROPS of my JD2305. Don't plan on using it for anything heavy or big, so metal conduit should be strong enough; however, I'm finding that fittings are a problem...they're more expensive than I thought, plus can't find things like normal elbows & tees. So, I bought a 1/2" EMT conduit bender, and it will bend the conduit 90 degrees with a 5" radius.

But, now I'm wondering; are there any tips or tricks to bend the conduit tighter than a 5" radius? Also, if I want to make something resembling a ladder, is there a way to attach the rungs to the rails, since I can't find any conduit tees? I was thinking about using 1/2' metal pipe clamps?

Thanks,
Ray

A tighter radius bender will be tough to find, as the radius allows for the electrician to fish wiring through the conduit.

As for rungs, my uncle has made a dozen ladder deer stands over the past few years, and he used his trusty wire-feed welder.

Egon · Nov 4, 2008

There should be a minimum diameter bend for each pipe size/schedule.

For a ladder use larger rails, drill holes and place the smaller steps in the holes.

You may also be able to find some light weight weldelets. Supplier???

Kays Supply · Nov 4, 2008

Egon has it on the ladder. I built a rack for an ATV that way. I bent 4 90s in 1" conduit. I drilled holes for 1/2" rungs. I pulled it apart and inserted the rungs. Then welded the two ends together. If you can't weld, a coupling woud have worked.

TheKid · Nov 4, 2008

Shade Canopy 3/4in fittings 1in fittings 1&3/8in fittings 1&5/8in fittings

They have T's and 90'S for 3/4 in. They're designed for building canopies, not for electrical connections. The 3/4 is near the bottom of the page.

Mattlt · Nov 4, 2008

TheKid said:
Shade Canopy 3/4in fittings 1in fittings 1&3/8in fittings 1&5/8in fittings

They have T's and 90'S for 3/4 in. They're designed for building canopies, not for electrical connections. The 3/4 is near the bottom of the page.

That is great! I've been looking for fittings like this for a long time!

Now if I could just find a cheap way of swaging EMT conduit - I'd be set.

texbaylea · Nov 4, 2008

raykos said:
Hi all,

Been thinking about using 1/2" EMT conduit to make a rack to attach to the ROPS of my JD2305. Don't plan on using it for anything heavy or big, so metal conduit should be strong enough; however, I'm finding that fittings are a problem...they're more expensive than I thought, plus can't find things like normal elbows & tees. So, I bought a 1/2" EMT conduit bender, and it will bend the conduit 90 degrees with a 5" radius.

But, now I'm wondering; are there any tips or tricks to bend the conduit tighter than a 5" radius? Also, if I want to make something resembling a ladder, is there a way to attach the rungs to the rails, since I can't find any conduit tees? I was thinking about using 1/2' metal pipe clamps?

Thanks,
Ray

There is another quick and easy way using 1-3/8" chain link top rail. Corner fittings are available in several styles that attach with drill bolts. Very fast with a drill/driver. Gate brace clips would let you attach cross rails and they can be secured with a drill bolt. This same method is usable to build kennel panels. I easily built 6 x 20' panels and 4 x 6' panels and held them together with corner clamps. Gates are easily built and set into the panels. The top rail comes in lengths up to 21'.

Vernon

Lar1911 · Nov 5, 2008

Egon said:
There should be a minimum diameter bend for each pipe size/schedule.

It's been a few years since I have run any conduit, but if I remember correctly we used the dia. x 9 for determining our rad. on conduit for a good pull. There are some ways that might work to tighten the radius, but if fittings can be found that would probably be the way to go.

barneyrb · Nov 5, 2008

Draw it out and take it to a muffler shop for bending and swaging. If you can carry the conduit and drawing usually a $20 get everything I need done here.