>When you cut the pvc at 12:00 and marked 3 and 9, what angle did you put the bends in to go flat - like 2 and 10 or were you looking to get about 1/4 inch or so in the flat part. <
To make the bends flat, you want the finish of the bend to end at 3 and 9 o’clock. A clamshell of sort’s with a flat surface. Check out my pic’s real good, it should look as though you cut the tubing perfectly in half and then glued flat pieces on the opposing halves. A vise works real good, and it takes a few heat up/bend attempts.
>I tried making mine, but the thing ends up pretty huge - i’ll keep trying. <
Dont worry, after you lay the bead of silicone in and get a good wrap on it will be fine. You see, there is alot of adjustment to the hombrew. Once you get the 1st portion of the device made, put the 2 halves together. Then measure the I.D.- compare that to your flacid girth. You will then know how thick your silicone beads will need to be, minus the wrap thickness of course.
>Also I’m using a small torch to bend the plastic and that can be interesting.<
Be careful with the torch, the fumes from abs or pvc can be hazardous to your lungs. A heat gun (hot air) works best. Also, I think the torch gets it way to hot, thus making the material hard to work with. Sorta like a wet noodle.
Good luck with your hombrew BIB, let us know how it comes out.