Tubing bender recommendations

[76zimmer]

Speaking of tube benders....
After reading nbilby's thread:
http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthr...75#post2625044

and keeping budget minded, I too will be in need of at least a minimal type cage for my build, to get it off road safe. I would add to it in the future, but would like to get a 6-10 point cage in it to start with. I don't need a Ryoken cage right now, but would pursue adding more to it in the future.
So what would a decent budget priced bender cost, and what would be recommended. Instead of paying someone 300-500 to bend me up something, I might as well put that into a bender of my own.

This will be posted in the tools section, and linked to my build thread also.

 

[ryoken]

definitely pleased with my Protools 105 HD.... I really like the company too, good people...

 

[jt512]

Ryoken beat me to it, the pro tools is one I have heard lots of good stuff about (look at what ryoken has done with one ) and another I have heard good things about is the JD squared models http://www.jd2.com/shop/ check out Colby's build http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=221987&highlight=colbystephens&page=14 post 137 , he used the JD bender.

I am hoping to purchase one of the two in the next month or so and am still undecided as to which way to go

 

[ktmoutfront]

I use the JD Squared 3. Buy the Bend-tech software. even the EZ is a great addition.


http://www.bend-tech.com/products.htm

 

[rdn2blazer]

I have a similar bender as the model 3 from M Tech for $295. Mine was a NE5. Not sure of the difference but I paid the same price. My dies are 240 deg though, these for the model 3 state 180 deg dies.


http://www.mtechsupply.com/display.php3?getcategory=Benders&session=1c09a63451641532579f32bfe8359b62

 

[tRustyK5]

JD2 here...works fine!

Rene

 

[76zimmer]

what kind of prices are these benders you guys have bought....and what have you added to the equipment list of needs and nice to haves for the bender?

Really appreciate the input. This is something I haven't ever tried to use. Just a little apprehensive about jumping into it, but I feel I can go through the learning curve. I feel I can make something decent out of it, and have the investment for the future too.

 

[ryoken]

i bought the whole HD package for my Pro Tools 105... that includes stand, bender, degree ring, handle and 1 die of your choice... $750

i went with the HD to do 2", think the standard is only good to 1.75" for an extra $50 you get thicker plates, yada...

http://www.pro-tools.com/105.htm

you could go budgety on it, make your own stand, no degree ring... if i was piecing it together like that, i would definitely skip the handle.. it's a rip at $40 for some 1" x 3", but in the package it's not a big deal...

I NEVER use a holesaw notcher anymore, strictly chopsaw, maybe the plasma for something intricate, grinders, etc...

eventually i'll get some software and actually start using the degree wheel.....

oh, i went cheap and only bought the 90 degree dies for now.. i have 2" and 1.5"... i'll get the 180's eventually.....

 

[76zimmer]

Cool Paul, I need to check out the comparison they did between the 105, JD2, and JMR units:

http://www.offroadfabnet.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1668

Thanks for your help "again".

 

[Captainfab]

I've been pleased with my Pro tools 105. Mine is just the standard 105 since I bought it before they had the HD version. I would recommend getting the 240* dies if you can afford the difference between the 120 and the 240. It really comes in handy for those times when the 120 just won't quite make the bend you want. Also the Bend Tech software is worth its weight in tube. The cool thing about Cris' software is if you start with a lesser, least expensive version, you can upgrade to a better version for just the difference in cost between the two. If you can swing it I would go for the Bent Tech Pro. That way you can design your entire cage and see what it looks like, and make changes if need be, before bending a single piece of tube. Bend Tech Pro also will printout tube wraps for the notching at each joint.

Something else to add to the whole tube bending setup that just came out is a DRO called the Tube Bandit. It is reasonably priced and allows you to make exact bends. Plus it is a whole lot easier to see the display than trying to see youe degree ring when you're bending manually

http://www.pro-tools.com/
http://www.bend-tech.com/products.htm
http://www.tubebandit.com/xcart/

 

[BGKYK5]

Has anybody used one of these?

Or the conversion for the manual benders that adds a Harbor Frieght air over hydro cylinder? Can't locate it at the moment.

 

[Captainfab]

If you're on a tight budget(who isn't these days) you can get a set of plans for free from Pro Tools to build a bender similar to that one in the link. http://www.pro-tools.com/200k.htm

Are you talking about the pre made brackets for mounting the HF air/hydro cylinder? Copperhead fab makes a nice setup for both the JD2 and the Pro Tools' bender http://copperheadfab.com/index.php?action=catalog
I couldn't paste a direct link, so just click on 'Tool Accessories'

Has anybody used one of these?

Or the conversion for the manual benders that adds a Harbor Frieght air over hydro cylinder? Can't locate it at the moment.

 

[muddermilitia]

Has anybody used one of these?

Or the conversion for the manual benders that adds a Harbor Frieght air over hydro cylinder? Can't locate it at the moment.

My brother and I just split the cost on a bender very similar to that one. Ours is from Speedway motors. I too am wondering what people think of it

 

[BGKYK5]

If you're on a tight budget(who isn't these days) you can get a set of plans for free from Pro Tools to build a bender similar to that one in the link. http://www.pro-tools.com/200k.htm

Are you talking about the pre made brackets for mounting the HF air/hydro cylinder? Copperhead fab makes a nice setup for both the JD2 and the Pro Tools' bender http://copperheadfab.com/index.php?action=catalog
I couldn't paste a direct link, so just click on 'Tool Accessories'

Yup, the Copperhead fab kit is what I was thinking of. Anybody used it? What is the max bend angle?

 

[boise k5]

Just picked up the 105 with 1.75 120 deg dies, a heavy duty stand on wheels and a HF air/hyd ram for $600. Not a screaming deal but its complete and works great.

 

[Captainfab]

Yeah, that's not a bad deal. You would probably have a little more than that in just the bender and die with shipping. Is it the standard 105 or the HD? Does it have the degree ring?

 

[BGKYK5]

Just picked up the 105 with 1.75 120 deg dies, a heavy duty stand on wheels and a HF air/hyd ram for $600. Not a screaming deal but its complete and works great.

Let us know how it works! I am thinking about doing the same thing, but with a 180 (240) die.

 

[boise k5]

Its the standard 105 without the deg. ring. The ram set up on it is pretty slick, I made a couple quick bends last night and really liked it. Having the ram on it allows it to be mounted on wheels instead of bolted to the floor and being able to move it around will make this a very user friendly tool.

 

[boise k5]

Here is a pic...

 

[BGKYK5]

Having the ram on it allows it to be mounted on wheels instead of bolted to the floor and being able to move it around will make this a very user friendly tool.

That is the main reason I want a ram. I have no place to bolt it to the floor where I would have room for a long piece of DOM.

How big of a bend can you do without repositioning the ram?