tubing bender

[injected79]

Hey guys, sorry if this is in the wrong section but i wasnt sure where to put it.
I was wondering what tubing bender some of you were using to build your bumpers and roll cages. I was looking at some manual floor mounted benders but wasnt sure if they would be able to handle the wall thinkness of the tubing needed for roll cages and bumpers?

If you have one you like could you also post manufacturer and part number

Thanks
Brandon

 

[Desert Thrasher]

http://www.jd2.com/
Model 3 is most common. I have the model 32.

 

[rustbucket]

How much do you want to spend? You can go cheap with a Williams Low Buck Tool manual bender and get a workout, or go hydraulic with a JD2. Lots of options for lots of budgets. Just stay away from "pipe benders". They aren't designed for tubing and will kink it.

 

[siderbox]

ProBender pro4 has done everything I throw at it.
That bender and BendTechPro software and I'll take on anything.
Get 180 dies. Well worth the extra few dollars.
I really like the vertical style. Takes up less room, not mounted to the floor.

 

[brewchief]

JD2 model 3 and protools 105 are probably the two most common, there are also plenty of copies that use the jd or protools dies.

1.75" x .120 wall tubing is pretty common for cages as well as 2"x .120, both benders can handle those sizes.

Most of the common benders can also be converted from manual to air/hydro or full hydro without a lot of work.

 

[PlaneDrvr99]

I waited until I found a used tube shark. Got that and the bendtech pro software.

2 weeks ago I saw a tube shark go on ebay for 1,800.00. damn near new and with like four dies. Oh it also had the mandrel option with it. It was a smoking deal.

 

[tankhunter]

http://www.vansantent.com/model_3_bender.htm

this is the one i have set up with air over hyd. pump and cylinder

 

[Apogee]

Pro-Tools 105 w/ a homebrew hydro conversion kit and 2", 1.75", 1.50" and 1" 270 degree dies. Keep in mind that tight die bend radii tend to be preferable from a fitment and fabrication standpoint, however the die bend radii does determine the minimum wall thickness that the die can bend without wrinkling the tube.

 

[Dusty]

Mine is a JD-squared with the Harbor Freight air-over-hydraulic long ram and ram mount from Swag Off-Road. Low buck hydro conversion and works great!

 

[Mountain Ram]

http://www.jd2.com/
Model 3 is most common. I have the model 32.

I have this as well- all manual and I built an EXO with it for my Dodge Ram. Manual is not as difficult as it seems, just a little work. JD2 is local and I went to pick mine up directly. Good people to deal with. Definitely get the Bend-Tech software- it makes life so much easier!! Don't forget a tubing notcher.

Todd

 

[hyghlndr]

The dies seem to be the big expense. Any alternatives?

 

[injected79]

And what he said ^^^^^^

i have seen a few benders that are listed as tube and pipe benders. but everything iv read said that the two style of benders and different. any info

 

[broncosbybart]

you don't want to get the harbor freight cheapo pipe 'bender'. it is the one for like $150. the only thing it does is kinks the tube. I have a 105 bender. Dies are stupid expensive. Don't know much for an alternative, unless you only plan to bend something up to 90 degrees. In that case you can use this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Affordable-...0684023627&pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr

 

[bigcountry]

Another option it to go to www.gottrikes.com , order the plans, and build your own. I have not built one, but they say it works great and is cheaper than buying one.

 

[Loggerhead]

Does the jd2 model 3 "crush" the tube on the inside of the bend like the hydraulic muffler Benders?

 

[Mountain Ram]

Does the jd2 model 3 "crush" the tube on the inside of the bend like the hydraulic muffler Benders?

No- that's why they have the expensive dies. Anytime you move material like this, there will be thinning of the material and some minor deformation, but no crushing. The pros use an automated version that works on similar principles.

Todd