CNC Mandrel Bender

[kooldino]

I'm half considering picking up a mandrel bender. I know that they're a ton of money, but it may be worth it in the end.

I'd prefer it to be CNC so I can "set it and forget it", so to speak.

It only NEEDS to do 3" tubing, but I'd like it to be able to do 3.5".

I have zero experience or knowledge here. Any input?

 

[kooldino]

So apparently CNC benders are 6 figures. Ouch.

However, the manual benders still have some programmability in them, so that should suffice.

 

[jrz]

Always buy bigger than you think you need. I have owned Pines, Chiyoda, Kiens, Hines, Miic, and a Pedrazolli, they all lacked some feature that was found out later.

 

[kooldino]

So what features should I look for?

How do you feel about buying used?

 

[tonym]

I would look to see if amd what softwear it comes with .....some of that stuff has a very hard learning curve also with very little to no support

 

[jrz]

It depends on what you are trying to bend, thinwall stainless headers with all of the fit issues and dual wall (for marine applications), complicates the purchase. Newer machines program better than before touch screen windows controls. The center line radius, CLR of the bend and material used will determine the machine needed.

Results from a used late model or rebuilt with an updated control will be similar. Wiper die mounts, pressure die, and a mandrel retract at a minimum, carriage boost and stacked dies (compound bends) are nice.