Right size/type copper condenser

[distillusion]

Hey guys,

I've got a few questions, and if there is a post all about this then I apologize that I couldn't find it, or at least couldn't find exactly what I needed to know. I thought I would ask here, so here goes:

In a design I am wanting to use 5/8" O.D (outside diameter) copper pipe for the condenser and coil running off a 1" copper start on a 12 quart pot still.

1. What 'type' of copper pipe should one seek out for hand bending? K, L, or M? Hard, soft?
2. Is 5/8" O.D 'too big' for for a coil condenser on a still this size? If so, what size would be optimal?

Next, I want to bend the pipe into a pretty small diameter coil that when finished would result in a coil that is roughly 4-5" outside diameter.

3. In hand bending such a small diameter coil with 5/8" pipe, would one benefit from heating the pipe while bending?
4. Is it worth the cost to purchase a small hand pipe bender? (They are online for 30 or so dollars or more...)

Thanks for any information!

p.s. I haven't introduced myself on the newcomer forum yet because I am waiting to get some nice copper work photos first.