Tube bender recommendations

[Burt88]

I'm in the market for a tube bender and I need some different options to look at. I'd like to get one that uses a hydraulic pump but the ones I've found have a tendency to pinch the pipe. I'm looking for the best bang for the buck here. I'll be using it for fabricating rock protection as well as race car roll bars. Thanks

 

[krzyabncanuck]

I'm in the market for a tube bender and I need some different options to look at. I'd like to get one that uses a hydraulic pump but the ones I've found have a tendency to pinch the pipe. I'm looking for the best bang for the buck here. I'll be using it for fabricating rock protection as well as race car roll bars. Thanks

You and me both are looking. Look in the tool section here on Mud. I have found a few i like that do not take up a bunch of room. Also Jerry can talk about his also.

 

[NCFJ]

I have been using a JD Squared bender for years with no issue and no kinks. I added an air/hyro setup to it for ease of use. There are a great many dies available for it as well. It is about the best bang for the buck that you are going to find.

Stan

 

[Mtbcoach]

X2 what Stan said.

I have the "new" JD2 bender and also, added the air-hydro set up that makes things WAY easier and precise.

http://www.jd2.com/p-67-model-32-bender-manual.aspx

We aren't talking about buying the JD2 hydro set up but using a bracket made by Copperhead Fab
http://copperheadfab.com/index.php?action=productview&productid=164

and an inexpensive air/hydro ram from Harbor Freight

Then you have a very nice set up that can bend some serious stuff. I use it to bend 1.5/.250 wall square tubing with it.

If you are going to make something serious (like roll bars), you need a bender that can handle the right material as well as be precise. I've got no where near the experience Stan has with his, although I've done my share of bending and the JD2 unit works beyond my capabilities.

The most impressive thing is JD2's customer service. They are in TN and I've had parts sent UPS ground get to me in a day. They have always kept their commitments when dies are in stock and/or being shipped. When I've had questions, they put me in touch the with "guys on the floor" and got me straight.

Made in the USA, great customer service, excellent machine, also own their tubing notcher that goes unmatched in the industry IMHO...

 

[Burt88]

Thanks guys. That setup looks friggin awesome.

 

[kulangot]

Check out the HMP 200 from Pro-Tools

http://www.pro-tools.com/hmp-200.aspx

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=dT6guY8AIJs

You can also build it:

http://www.pro-tools.com/build-your-own-bender-plans.aspx

and

http://www.blindchickenracing.com/tools/tube bender/tubingbender.htm


I bought a JD2 back in the early 90's and it was great bender. However, Once I tried one of these, I strongly prefer it. I tried a friends and will probably buy one.

Major benefits of this style vs the JD2:

- You start horizontal and bend to what ever angle you need with a digital angle finder. Much easier than bending in a horizontal plane from left to right using a protractor.

- No need to mount to the floor and is super portable. I did not have enough room in my shop for the JD. This type can be used anywhere - inside or out.

-Super compact and easy to store.

Nothing wrong with the JD2 - Pro-Tools makes a version of it, this type is just what works for me.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

I've never seen a type of bender like the pro-tools setup there John. Maybe I haven't put enough research into it.

The portability factor is a plus, for sure.

I was going to post up yesterday and say that after seeing jerry use the JD2, it was a no-brainer which one to buy, but this pro-tools unit looks promising.

 

[kulangot]

Not saying what bender is better for you or anyone else, just something to consider.

This bender uses the same dies at the JD and Pro-Tools benders so the bend quality is the same. In the video you can see some wrinkles because they are using super thin walled exhaust tube.

However, because it uses a follow-bar it does outside bends BETTER than the the JD style bender. Usually, you want the seam in the side of the bend but that can't always be done, so in those cases, this type of bender is better. HREW tube is so much cheaper than seamless and it's much easier to get. With all of the NASCAR it might be easier to get DOM around Charlotte.

Compared to air over hydraulic it takes longer but I have time. I also think that I'd be less inclined to making mistakes if I sneak up on a bend. The fact that it takes up less space and is portable is huge for me as I have too much junk.

Call Pro-Tools and talk to James Mason, he is a nice guy.

Club purchase!

Whenever I get around to it, I am buying or building one

 

[kulangot]

Here is another one to consider, this company "Low buck tools" makes a bunch of cool stuff

http://www.lowbucktools.com/hydbender.html

However, this bender will not bend 2" inch tube which is ideal for a Fj40 but maybe 1.75 would be OK for your FJ62 as it is not a convertible. With how heavy they are, I'd go for 2.0" if it were me.

It also has an aluminum die which wears out faster.

The aluminum die and lack of ability to work with 2.0"makes this less than ideal for me but for a race car it would be fine. Dies should last at least a few cages. Maybe more.

While your at the webpage, check this out:

http://www.lowbucktools.com/benderFAQ.html

I'm sure you all already know the difference between a pipe bender and a tube bender but someone will come along at some point and find this useful information in the above link. For what it's worth, I had a pipe bender as well and it worked OK for making stuff out of pipe of which I had access to free drops. I would not make a cage out of pipe. I make some sliders for beater trucks and it worked great considering it was free and better than no sliders. They held up well.

 

[NCFJ]

I have not seen the bender you mention but I can tell you that if you are going too be doing a fair amount of bending, pumping that jack will get old in a hurry. The JD2 with the air/hydro is not fast by anyone's standards. Compared to commercial hydro setups it "sneaks" up on the bend.

This is why there are choices

 

[kulangot]

I have not seen the bender you mention but I can tell you that if you are going too be doing a fair amount of bending, pumping that jack will get old in a hurry. The JD2 with the air/hydro is not fast by anyone's standards. Compared to commercial hydro setups it "sneaks" up on the bend.

This is why there are choices

I agree - for a metal fab shop you want an air over hydraulic no matter what kind of bender you get.

That can be fitted onto this bender as well. No problem at all.

For my home shop - not needed. My friend who bought one loves it. It only takes about a minute to do a bend. I have a plate brake that also uses a 30 ton bottle jack. Like it a lot as well. As I've said before, I am a glutton for punishment

 

[Burt88]

Options options. Much to think about

 

[Mtbcoach]

I looked strongly at the ProTool unit as well as the "home built" plans before going with the JD2. I couldn't find a way to make one from plans that was less expensive, I'm sure it could be done just not within my world.

I can see the benefit to both and I'm sure you'll get any project done with either...

 

[kulangot]

I looked strongly at the ProTool unit as well as the "home built" plans before going with the JD2. I couldn't find a way to make one from plans that was less expensive, I'm sure it could be done just not within my world.

I can see the benefit to both and I'm sure you'll get any project done with either...

I agree. There is not a bad choice here. All are good.

 

[krzyabncanuck]

I have been looking at this one also.



https://www.roguefab.com/

 

[kulangot]

Darin,

Can't see well from my phone. Does that bend horizontal up?

Looks well made.

 

[kulangot]

Darin,

That thing is pretty sweet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzRue5sPUIc

To me the bending up from horizontal is key. If you are familliar with carpentry it is really easy to keep everything straight.

-Stumbaugh