Tube Bender at Harbor Freight $50

[HigginsHorse]

Does anyone have either the floor or bench mount tube bender that Harbor Freight sells? Can you tell me if its worth buying? I don't plan any high volume production, but would like it to bend 1 3/4 X .120 DOM. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=44094

Thanks
HigginsHorse

 

[broncobsession]

That bender is for PIPE, not tubing. Please don't try to use that to make a roll cage that you (or worse, your wife or children) may depend on to save their lives. Either use it for pipe bumpers and rock sliders or just buy a real TUBING bender (JD2 model 3 or Pro Tools 105).

 

[HigginsHorse]

Nevermind. As I read closer it wouldn't handle that large of a tube anyway. I was thinking some "pipe" doors would be cool.
HigginsHorse

 

[broncobsession]

I bet you could make some tube doors with it but you would have to use pipe (which would be fine for doors) but it would most likely kink on the bends (especially the tight 180* bend where the door latches). You could also use it to make sliders and bumpers. If you pack it with sand you can minimize kinking.

 

[SURFMUR]

That bender is not for pipe or tubing. It will crimp it at the bend. That bender is for small diameter solid tubing and flat bar. I have one and use it for small parts and ornamental iron. I have experimented with tubing and it is a waste of time. HF sells other benders for pipe that will bend up soem doors and whatnot but it will crimp the bends slightly if you use tubing, there will not be much crimp at all if you use pipe.