I bought the Eastwood HD bender with 1.5 and 1.75 shoes. Hope my attempt will help you in your professional or DIY life to pick the suitable tool for you. My father was a professional carpenter. Pipe benders are also typically used to bend larger diameters, while tube benders can be used on smaller diameters. I was serious this year and re-bought a bunch of parts and swapped them out to get back under $2017 when I realized i had forgot to move the radiator over to the new spreadsheet and ended up at $2100 after adding everything up. One major issue that I had with the product is that I had to buy the dies for this separately, which further pushed up the price of my purchase as a result. both are nice pieces. This model is designed to handle upto 8 tons, making it one of the most stable models to feature on this list. I've built cages where I bent them by hand and now several with the hydraulic ram and it's much easier to get the bend to the correct angle with the ram. You must login or register to post a reply. h5c9ZJ1wzKcDeEIGpfPNNhsgzuj1kDnOGXm70b10pKpmAwkkwLrXi4iL3QvKTwE0, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vp1cy73Ao0, https://chopperbuildershandbook.com/vbender1.html, https://www.kmstools.com/magnum-2-tubing-bender-107353. I knee jerked bought the plans for this without fully researching it and the dies are so expensive. To use a pipe wrench to bend tubing, youll first need to lay the tubing out on a firm, flat surface. I borrowed a JD 2 to bend 1.75x0.120 and it worked great. Read more about me from the About us page. This will cause the tubing to bend at the point where the rope or cord is tied. This tool is simple to operate and can be used in a number of applications across various industries, from heavy-duty construction to lighter plumbing work in the house. On the other hand, tube bending uses a tube bender instead of a pipe bender. I added the air over hydraulic cylinder. The number of shops that have good Youtube content for roll cage work has really increased, and should make for good reference without needing to buy software. For example, Eastwood recently came out with a bender that looks an awful lot like a a JD2, but for ~2/3 the price. I have a JD2 for cages and such. In this blog post, well walk you through the process of choosing the perfect tube bender for your needs. Overall, there are many things to consider when using a Tube Bender tool. No personal experience yet. I built this one:https://chopperbuildershandbook.com/vbender1.html. The first thing you need to know when it comes to using such a tool is that the tube needs to be as straight as possible. It will take extra time and effort if your material is already bent, but this is necessary in order for you to get the desired result. Also have a hydraulic jack center push pipe bender for when I can use gas pipe or equivalent pipe measured by ID for things like dash board structures and other no critical steel tube jobs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vp1cy73Ao0. The next product on our list of tube benders for roll cages is the Woodward WFB2 Fab Tube Bender. However, this isnt always possible if you dont have access to these tools and equipment. Also there is software called Bendtech 3D (I think) that was super useful. In the past I have done my own bending, using borrowed benders, and it worked well every time. I've had a number of engineering friends comment on the good quality of the bends. My plumbers torch with a big tip works great for this, but it still takes two people to pull it off. Good luck. There are three main types of tubing: steel, aluminum, and copper. With 7-round dies provided along with the bender, users can bend pipes from all the way to 1, making it a versatile option for those looking to bend a large number of pipes. 
However, looking at prices on the benders being reccomended, its almost better from a real money standpoint to buy a pre-bent kit. See how easy Mosess bending process is with the RDB-250. They are used to bend metal pipes to the required shape without too much human effort. KAKA Industrial HB-8 Hydraulic Roll Cage Tube Bender. Good quality materials and sturdy construction convinced me that this tool was built to last for quite some time. Instead, you should make sure that the metal is tough and durable enough to withstand the pressure that will be exerted on it during the bending process. The GotTrikes is a decent design, and I like the mobility and the not-have-to-clamp-it-down factor. I see all kinds of home-made and fix-the-cheap-option solutions even into sand-bending, but if you want to get a job done with a proper tool and not be learning tool design and fabrication, the JD2 looks like THE answer. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'toolsterritory_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_14',176,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-toolsterritory_com-narrow-sky-1-0')};Once youve decided on the type of tubing you need to use, the next step is to choose the right size and thickness. One method is to use a length of rope or cord. Another method is to use a hammer and a welding torch. I built that one, and I built it to use the Pro-Tool dies. 
This machine operates by spinning the tubing around an axis in order to make bends in the material. There are 3 types of tube benders: manual, hydraulic, and pneumatic tube benders. If you need to make more complex bends, such as U-bends or J-bends, youll need a more specialized bender. This bender can also be adjusted for height, allowing you to accommodate a tighter bending radius and a maximum angle of 90 in a single go. This makes it ideal for bending most standard-sized pipes without having to worry about scratches or the finish of the pipe being diminished. He decided to invest in the R-M55. S&W is off PA724 in Spring City - just sayin'. Because tube bending does not typically require a lot of pressure to create bends, the machine is ideal for delicate work. 4. You'll need a pricier die to do 180 bends. I started my professional life as a handyman and did a lot of external and internal repair of home and office with a little bit of electric and plumbing support. The size of the tubing will determine how big of a bend you can make, and the thickness will affect how strong the tubing is. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'toolsterritory_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',167,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-toolsterritory_com-banner-1-0')};This heavy-duty tube bender is also provided with hydraulic oil No.15 which reduces the risk of corrosion and rusting. It also helps lubricate the system more efficiently. This programmable tube bender can be a game changer for small businesses. What are the preffered cheap ones? What if youre out in the field and need to make a quick repair? Luckily theres not much to buy, but until i build that $ back up i have no idea where tires are coming from. This model is a popular choice amongst customers looking for a rotary bender that is compact in nature but offers the same performance as larger and heavier models. Address: 1121 Twin Parks Dr, Twin Falls, ID 83301. Many people alter the design to use JD2 dies, which I should have done, as they are available local to me, as are their off-shore clones. This bender was best suited to my requirements, thanks to its lightweight and rather portable design. Consider these 3 main factors to get more specific about choosing your roll cage tube bender. If you need to bend tubing on a regular basis, its best to invest in a tubing bender. It also ensures the longevity of the product, making it a good long-term investment. I'm converting it to air over hydraulic though because squeezing the air trigger has to be better than pumping the jack a million times. In this blog post, well discuss the different types of tube benders and help you decide which one is right for you. All rights reserved. It also ensures smooth bends without any kinks to ensure the final product looks professional. This also increases the efficiency of the process, ensuring greater precision and accuracy as a result. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'toolsterritory_com-leader-4','ezslot_10',172,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-toolsterritory_com-leader-4-0')};Another thing to keep in mind when using a Tube Bender is the fact that you need to use high-quality materials. Also consider if you want to bend Cobra-style hoops. However, these parts were of high quality which allowed me to bend tubes between all the way to 2. How does a Torque Wrench Work? If you need to make a quick repair, you can use a couple of different methods to bend tubing without a bender. Instead of benders, I've found that if you heat the exhaust tube with a big torch and get it red, you can easily make whatever bends you want with no kinks. 
There are a few different sizes that you can choose from, but it is always best to select the one that is closest to the diameter of your tube. Both of these methods will work in a pinch, but theyre not ideal for long-term use. After each pass with your hand, tighten your grip on the pipe wrench and twist again until youve bent as much as you need. In addition, plastic tubing is also a popular option for many applications. The type of tubing you need to bend, the size and thickness of the tubing, the specific bends you need to make- all of these will affect your decision about which tube bender is right for you. When it comes to tube and pipe bending, there are a few different methods that can be used. This covers the enthusiastic spectrum pretty well. When youre bending a tube, youll need to know both of these measurements in order to make a correct bend. Moses Guillen started Brick City Fabrications with a dream and a Baileigh tube bender. This manual roll bender can handle anything you can throw at it in the motorsports industry. A pipe bender has an inside radius that will allow it to bend the pipe without deforming or damaging it. Another advantage of this model was the fact that it utilized hydraulic fluid, which considerably helped reduce the effort required to bend the tube. Not sure which roll cage tubing bender is the best for you? Quite heavy, difficult to carry and transport, Easy to assemble, does not require external help, Multiple dies allow for proper setup and usage, Long handle and comfortable grip reduce user strain, Comes with a stand for more stable bending, Smaller capacity compared to other benders of similar price, Manual sheet could have better instructions, Bending larger diameter pipes may take more effort, Design flaw prevents proper bending below 40, Ratcheting mechanism ensures good quality bends, Can be used for round as well as square tubing, Very expensive compared to other products in this list, Difficult to read the gauge number indicators, Multiple reports that the degree ring is a sticker and not stamped, High capacity makes it perfect for heavy industry applications, Hydraulic systems ensure the effortless bending operation, Comes with the required tooling to ensure versatility across sizes, Tends to leave marks on the side after bending, Very expensive compared to other models on this list, Easy to bend large diameter pipes with minimal effort, Use of solid steel and brass ensures sturdy construction, Dies, handle, and stand are not included in the cost, Maybe a bit too pricey for budget-oriented customers. Don't see the need for hydraulic assist at this time. We have a JD2 Model 3 (discontinued) and have been very happy with it. https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/learn-me-tubing-benders/131596/page1/. But what if you dont have a bender? I do not own one myself, but I have a JD2 bender and a SWAG off-road radius bender in my shop on semipermanent loan from a friend. The RDB-125 has a maximum capacity of 2.5 mild steel tube and can bend up to 180. This makes it versatile for a number of applications. I have this plan to make my own die --- use some thin plates bolted together using circles of different diameters and then smooth out the steps of the plates using a grinding cylinder, want to try that for a 1-3/4 die. Figuring on 1.75" x .120". More than Harbor Freight but still in lemon racer price range. However, if youre looking for something specifically designed for tubing, then a tube bender may be the more appropriate option for you. This one requires attachment to some thing fairly solid. In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between a pipe bender and a tube bender. The RDB-250 has a maximum capacity of 2.5 mild steel tube and can bend up to 360. I've been looking for an answer to this question for years. It was also able to accommodate a variety of sizes thanks to the multiple dies provided along with the bending tool. From what I've see online (videos etc) they appear handle up to 2" DOM quite nicely. Its long handle of 29 and the customization it offers by allowing customers to make their own stand comes in handy for a number of applications. Its ALL in the measurements. Like the RDB-125, its a strong choice if youre working on race cars or drag cars. For example, manual tube benders are less expensive than hydraulic or pneumatic tube benders, but they are also slower and require more strength to operate. With the help of a long handle (35.4), it gives one the ability to get the job done without straining too much. 
However, looking at prices on the benders being reccomended, its almost better from a real money standpoint to buy a pre-bent kit. See how easy Mosess bending process is with the RDB-250. They are used to bend metal pipes to the required shape without too much human effort. KAKA Industrial HB-8 Hydraulic Roll Cage Tube Bender. Good quality materials and sturdy construction convinced me that this tool was built to last for quite some time. Instead, you should make sure that the metal is tough and durable enough to withstand the pressure that will be exerted on it during the bending process. The GotTrikes is a decent design, and I like the mobility and the not-have-to-clamp-it-down factor. I see all kinds of home-made and fix-the-cheap-option solutions even into sand-bending, but if you want to get a job done with a proper tool and not be learning tool design and fabrication, the JD2 looks like THE answer. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'toolsterritory_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_14',176,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-toolsterritory_com-narrow-sky-1-0')};Once youve decided on the type of tubing you need to use, the next step is to choose the right size and thickness. One method is to use a length of rope or cord. Another method is to use a hammer and a welding torch. I built that one, and I built it to use the Pro-Tool dies. This machine operates by spinning the tubing around an axis in order to make bends in the material. There are 3 types of tube benders: manual, hydraulic, and pneumatic tube benders. If you need to make more complex bends, such as U-bends or J-bends, youll need a more specialized bender. This bender can also be adjusted for height, allowing you to accommodate a tighter bending radius and a maximum angle of 90 in a single go. This makes it ideal for bending most standard-sized pipes without having to worry about scratches or the finish of the pipe being diminished. He decided to invest in the R-M55. S&W is off PA724 in Spring City - just sayin'. Because tube bending does not typically require a lot of pressure to create bends, the machine is ideal for delicate work. 4. You'll need a pricier die to do 180 bends. I started my professional life as a handyman and did a lot of external and internal repair of home and office with a little bit of electric and plumbing support. The size of the tubing will determine how big of a bend you can make, and the thickness will affect how strong the tubing is. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'toolsterritory_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',167,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-toolsterritory_com-banner-1-0')};This heavy-duty tube bender is also provided with hydraulic oil No.15 which reduces the risk of corrosion and rusting. It also helps lubricate the system more efficiently. This programmable tube bender can be a game changer for small businesses. What are the preffered cheap ones? What if youre out in the field and need to make a quick repair? Luckily theres not much to buy, but until i build that $ back up i have no idea where tires are coming from. This model is a popular choice amongst customers looking for a rotary bender that is compact in nature but offers the same performance as larger and heavier models. Address: 1121 Twin Parks Dr, Twin Falls, ID 83301. Many people alter the design to use JD2 dies, which I should have done, as they are available local to me, as are their off-shore clones. This bender was best suited to my requirements, thanks to its lightweight and rather portable design. Consider these 3 main factors to get more specific about choosing your roll cage tube bender. If you need to bend tubing on a regular basis, its best to invest in a tubing bender. It also ensures the longevity of the product, making it a good long-term investment. I'm converting it to air over hydraulic though because squeezing the air trigger has to be better than pumping the jack a million times. In this blog post, well discuss the different types of tube benders and help you decide which one is right for you. All rights reserved. It also ensures smooth bends without any kinks to ensure the final product looks professional. This also increases the efficiency of the process, ensuring greater precision and accuracy as a result. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'toolsterritory_com-leader-4','ezslot_10',172,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-toolsterritory_com-leader-4-0')};Another thing to keep in mind when using a Tube Bender is the fact that you need to use high-quality materials. Also consider if you want to bend Cobra-style hoops. However, these parts were of high quality which allowed me to bend tubes between all the way to 2. How does a Torque Wrench Work? If you need to make a quick repair, you can use a couple of different methods to bend tubing without a bender. Instead of benders, I've found that if you heat the exhaust tube with a big torch and get it red, you can easily make whatever bends you want with no kinks. There are a few different sizes that you can choose from, but it is always best to select the one that is closest to the diameter of your tube. Both of these methods will work in a pinch, but theyre not ideal for long-term use. After each pass with your hand, tighten your grip on the pipe wrench and twist again until youve bent as much as you need. In addition, plastic tubing is also a popular option for many applications. The type of tubing you need to bend, the size and thickness of the tubing, the specific bends you need to make- all of these will affect your decision about which tube bender is right for you. When it comes to tube and pipe bending, there are a few different methods that can be used. This covers the enthusiastic spectrum pretty well. When youre bending a tube, youll need to know both of these measurements in order to make a correct bend. Moses Guillen started Brick City Fabrications with a dream and a Baileigh tube bender. This manual roll bender can handle anything you can throw at it in the motorsports industry. A pipe bender has an inside radius that will allow it to bend the pipe without deforming or damaging it. Another advantage of this model was the fact that it utilized hydraulic fluid, which considerably helped reduce the effort required to bend the tube. Not sure which roll cage tubing bender is the best for you? Quite heavy, difficult to carry and transport, Easy to assemble, does not require external help, Multiple dies allow for proper setup and usage, Long handle and comfortable grip reduce user strain, Comes with a stand for more stable bending, Smaller capacity compared to other benders of similar price, Manual sheet could have better instructions, Bending larger diameter pipes may take more effort, Design flaw prevents proper bending below 40, Ratcheting mechanism ensures good quality bends, Can be used for round as well as square tubing, Very expensive compared to other products in this list, Difficult to read the gauge number indicators, Multiple reports that the degree ring is a sticker and not stamped, High capacity makes it perfect for heavy industry applications, Hydraulic systems ensure the effortless bending operation, Comes with the required tooling to ensure versatility across sizes, Tends to leave marks on the side after bending, Very expensive compared to other models on this list, Easy to bend large diameter pipes with minimal effort, Use of solid steel and brass ensures sturdy construction, Dies, handle, and stand are not included in the cost, Maybe a bit too pricey for budget-oriented customers. Don't see the need for hydraulic assist at this time. We have a JD2 Model 3 (discontinued) and have been very happy with it. https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/learn-me-tubing-benders/131596/page1/. But what if you dont have a bender? I do not own one myself, but I have a JD2 bender and a SWAG off-road radius bender in my shop on semipermanent loan from a friend. The RDB-125 has a maximum capacity of 2.5 mild steel tube and can bend up to 180. This makes it versatile for a number of applications. I have this plan to make my own die --- use some thin plates bolted together using circles of different diameters and then smooth out the steps of the plates using a grinding cylinder, want to try that for a 1-3/4 die. Figuring on 1.75" x .120". More than Harbor Freight but still in lemon racer price range. However, if youre looking for something specifically designed for tubing, then a tube bender may be the more appropriate option for you. This one requires attachment to some thing fairly solid. In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between a pipe bender and a tube bender. The RDB-250 has a maximum capacity of 2.5 mild steel tube and can bend up to 360. I've been looking for an answer to this question for years. It was also able to accommodate a variety of sizes thanks to the multiple dies provided along with the bending tool. From what I've see online (videos etc) they appear handle up to 2" DOM quite nicely. Its long handle of 29 and the customization it offers by allowing customers to make their own stand comes in handy for a number of applications. Its ALL in the measurements. Like the RDB-125, its a strong choice if youre working on race cars or drag cars. For example, manual tube benders are less expensive than hydraulic or pneumatic tube benders, but they are also slower and require more strength to operate. With the help of a long handle (35.4), it gives one the ability to get the job done without straining too much.