Learn me on the benders gentlemen...

[jinjaninja]

Hey guys. <br />
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So, tube benders. I'm a long way from being able to afford this stuff. But I'm doing the right thing and researching before I spend any sort of money (pretending I have money and an ability to buy things is a fun pasttime lol)<br />
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So what's people experiances with the various types ? From what I can see there are the tower types...<br />
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And then the post mount <br />
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Post mount seem to be more expensive, but have the advantage of going past 90degree bends.... Any other advantages ? <br />
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Also the die kits seem to have the ones in the first image with only a roller follower... Or the more expensive ones from speedworx etc with the full follower...<br />
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Are these intrinsically better ? <br />
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I'm leaning towards the "affordable bender" dies from eBay and making my own frame like the first image.<br />
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But of people have valid reasons to spend the big bucks please hit me with as much advice as possible ? <br />
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Main use will be in making my rear suspension cradle, and doing various fun jobs like roll cages and fancy furniture lol.<br />
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Also look at being able to use air powered ram due to me being weak as piss lol. And possibly bending stupidly small and thin tube for bicycle seat and chainstays (19mm .6mm thick) but that's not a pre requisite...<br />
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[ckblum]

JD2, model 3 or model 32 bender on hydro. For a home shop it's the best bang for the buck. I've had cheap benders and the famous Harbor Freight "kinkers". Skip the **** and get a JD, and buy a decent notcher while you're at it, get the Swag Offroad reach-around for the JD2 notcher and you'll be set for tube work for a while. The initial investment is more but quality and capability is far superior to the budget benders.

I just sold my last "affordable" bender with intentions of going straight to a JD model 32 on hydro next once we "finish" our house reno's.

 

[jinjaninja]

I have one of the jd2 notchers. They make great stuff

Does the pedestal bender take up a heap o room ? I have the smallest shed in the world, and bend work will be few and far between I expect, so having something permanent would be a pain in the ****.

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[ToddW]

I have a JD2 Model 3 with air over hydro DIY i did years ago, if I did it again I would go with the higher-end (thicker material) model, I believe that's the 32, and then I would DIY full hydro.

I'm going to DIY full hydro for my model 3, and probably cut new top/bottom plates but if you're doing any thick walled tubed like 2.00" x .250" I'd go with the 32 as it has bigger dies too iirc.

 

[Know Wosad]

Draw benders are superior to press benders.
I use this.....every day

 

[HMCFab9]

The JD2 is in use by a lot of people.
Check out Baileigh industrial also.

 

[ovrrdrive]

If you have access to a plasma table I've seen some nice plans to build one yourself. This company also sells kits if you can't cut it yourself.

http://www.gottrikes.com/tube_bender.htm

Other than that. pirate 4x4 is a great place to look at a bunch of different models from full custom to full on high dollar. Lot's of options.

 

[Know Wosad]

I have the plans for the JD. PM me with an email if you need them. Large files.10 or 12 pdf.
You don't need a plasma table to build one. A torch and a couple shots of Kentucky's finest to steady the hand perhaps. They aren't complicated nor really precise.Its just a bender

 

[Know Wosad]

Forget Baleigh. GRRRRRRRRR.Long story and has no business on here

 

[Know Wosad]

I haven't found the need for a past 90 bender altho I have done a few splices on 2 90's.An architect spec'd a handrail with a rounded nose at the top of the stairs.I must admit they looked VERY cool and would have been far easier with a 180 die set capability. I got it done.40 of the damn things.

 

[mikegt4]

Since you (the OP) have some time for research check out the off road forums, they seem to use benders more than anyone.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/
http://www.offroadfabnet.com/forums/index.php?

 

[jinjaninja]

Yeah good tip mate will water some good hours there

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[okie18]

JD2 model 32 with hydro here. I bought it a few weeks ago and stashed it in storage because I have no shop or garage at the moment [emoji23]