Tube Benders

[Trevor]

I know tube benders and pipe benders are different. However, is a tube bender the same thing as a "mandrel bender?"

I have a small project that needs some 2" intercooler tubing. I can buy pre-bent aluminum mandrel bends but they only have 6" of straight. I need more like 16" of straight. And I can't weld aluminum. I was thinking it may be easier to buy a 4' section and bend my own. That would require finding someone locally with a tube bender...

 

[rockabilly cruiser]

A mandrel bender has an insert that keeps tube from distorting when you bend the material. A good muffler shop should have one. You take them the tube and have the bend it for a lot less than buying a bender.

 

[Trollhole]

Bring it up next weekend to the parts swap and you can use UC's bender.