Anyone with Experience Using JD2 Bender or Similiar?

[ncologerojr]

I'm getting ready to order my jd2 model 3 bender and a couple of die sets. My question is, can you manage to make bends in tube slightly smaller from the die set? The reason for asking is I need to make a few bends in 1 1/8" tubing, but I really don't want to spend $200 for an odd tube size like 1 1/8. If I order 1 1/4" dies can I carefully make it work? I'm just trying to save on initial investment by ordering some standard sizes, .75", 1", 1 1/4".

Thanks!

 

[shawnspeed]

I have modded some dies for my Pro Tools bender by bending a piece of tube the size the die is made for, with a wall thickness that will get me close, like within 10 thou of the size tubing I want to bend...in your case .065 wall tube...you will need to cut the bend in 1/2 and tack to the die & a strait section on the shoe...has worked for me several times...

 

[Red Green]

I bent 1 5/8 in the 1 3/4 die. it worked but was not very nice.

 

[bullnerd]

I have modded some dies for my Pro Tools bender by bending a piece of tube the size the die is made for, with a wall thickness that will get me close, like within 10 thou of the size tubing I want to bend...in your case .065 wall tube...you will need to cut the bend in 1/2 and tack to the die & a strait section on the shoe...has worked for me several times...

This...never done it, but read it many times.

 

[kazlx]

This...never done it, but read it many times.

Agreed. I haven't done it personally, but I've read a bunch of people that have. Would probably be the best way to cheat sizes. Doing it straight will just make an ugly bend.

 

[ranger302]

I have done just this, wrap the smaller tube with tin foil until the outside diameter is the same as the die, the total length of the bend. Go slow and it should work. The foil will be shot but for one bend it is better than a 200$ die.

 

[driver]

I have modded some dies for my Pro Tools bender by bending a piece of tube the size the die is made for, with a wall thickness that will get me close, like within 10 thou of the size tubing I want to bend...in your case .065 wall tube...you will need to cut the bend in 1/2 and tack to the die & a strait section on the shoe...has worked for me several times...

I haven't made the shims but have used the bender with them and it works fine.

 

[motobilt]

Call Jim at JMR and talk to him about the JMR tube benders. Jim manufactures the JMR product line in California. If you call there chances are you will be talking to him. Jim has been in the metal fabrication industry for many years. He is resource for things other than the tube bender.

I as putting my JMR hydraulic bender to work last night.

 

[ncologerojr]

Awesome. Thanks for all the info everyone. I ordered my jd2, too many good reviews to go with a different company. I'll defiantly try out a few of the methods suggested before buying the specific die.

 

[RogueFab]

We make benders and dies too. We have a creative design too. Check them out... even though you already ordered.

What wall thickness in the 1 1/8 and how many degrees? I can let you know if it will work on a rotary draw bender (JD2, ours, nearly all others, etc.). Bend will distort some. The foil or spacer tricks work ok.