Best Tube Bender???

[k10clown]

I want to make a rear tube bed for my 79' chevy. What is the best bang for your buck when it comes to tube benders? I want to go 1 3/4 or 2 inch. I am looking for a manual bender. I have looked at some but for $299 for the bender then $300 for the die, it sounds expensive to me. Any info will help me out. Thanks.

 

[big83chevy4x4]

i got a protools mb105 from www.mikegreen4x4.com for $240 for the standard bender, i think $250 for a 1.5" 240 degree die, $118 for a degree ring.

with shipping i paid $634.93

 

[az-k5]

I use an M-Tech, it is basically the same as the pro tools style. $600 is about right for a bender with a die. I would also go with 1.75" tube, that small difference is bigger than you think when you are doing a lot of cutting/bending.

 

[fordcummins1]

I've got a JD2, been real happy with the quality of the construction of the unit. Got a 1.75" and 1" die, gettin a 2" soon. Havent bent much with it yet, but what I have done seems to come out real nice.

 

[k10clown]

Found a couple. I think that I am going to go with the protools model and a harbor freight tube notcher. All this for under $700 with a 1.75" die for the bender. Thanks for the input.

 

[az-k5]

I forgot to mention that some steel shops don't carry 1.75" I have yet to find one in/near Phoenix that doesn't have it but have heard of it being an issue in other cities. Just call and ask.

 

[big83chevy4x4]

[ QUOTE ]
I forgot to mention that some steel shops don't carry 1.75" I have yet to find one in/near Phoenix that doesn't have it but have heard of it being an issue in other cities. Just call and ask.

[/ QUOTE ]

i found that out a few weeks ago, im still kinda pissed about it. oh well i guess ill have to buy a truck load when i i start bending 1.75" lol