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ILikeMud
04-20-2007, 09:59 AM
So the more I work on my POS Yota the more I want to do (an learn how to do) even more things myself.
So I'm now sort of considering picking up a bender (maybe a JD2 since they seem to have the best deals floating around) and...well...bending tube dur.

What everyone got for a bender?
Where did you buy it from?

Also and I think most importantly, what's the learning curve like on bending tube?x

ATL ZJ
04-20-2007, 10:16 AM
Trick Tools thru pirate is the best deal I found. I use a jd2 model 3 and like it.. Bending is not rocket science but you will make a few mistakes along the way..

ELLLLLIOTTTTT
04-20-2007, 10:52 AM
another JD2 here. Once you screw up the bending on a 7.5 foot piece of DOM you tend not to make too many more mistakes. Bending in 3 dimensions can be tricky but like everything else, practice makes perfect.

ILikeMud
04-20-2007, 11:28 AM
Trick Tools thru pirate is the best deal I found. I use a jd2 model 3 and like it.. Bending is not rocket science but you will make a few mistakes along the way..

Trick tools was the place I saw the best pricing from. Thanks for refreshing my memory.

Where does everyone mount there benders? That's the big issue for me.

DJJordache
04-20-2007, 12:19 PM
not any real input on this topic but am also very interested in getting into bending tube and that JD2 bender in their site is not too bad of a price.

I know this sounds dumb but for instance on these bending dies for the JD2 does the number in parentheses mean how tight it can bend a 180 degree bend? I think so but just checking:D
100182 M3B Round Tube Die Set - 3/4" (2.25-180)
100183 M3B Round Tube Die Set - 3/4" (3-180)
100186 M3B Round Tube Die Set - 3/4" (4.5-180)
100188 M3B Round Tube Die Set - 3/4" (5.5-180)

and what dies would you recommend getting?
sorry for the Hijack but it's kinda on topic

Cue-Ball
04-20-2007, 12:28 PM
Check out this thread on Pirate,

Pretty freakin' sweet if you ask me.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=376183

ILikeMud
04-20-2007, 12:47 PM
That's pretty sweet Dirk...hmmm...
Build a hydro operated bender for under $150....I like the sound of that. Storing it would be interesting, I'd have to break it down. Can't beat the price though.

Cue-Ball
04-20-2007, 12:49 PM
Yea I saw that yesterday and am thinking about doing that in the future myself.

I would probably put wheels on it like some of the guys have and then be able to wheel it around the garage and out to the driveway if needed.

ILikeMud
04-20-2007, 04:14 PM
I've got some cash in my paypal account so I just might order it after the weekend.

Tommy
04-23-2007, 10:39 AM
I use Protools Bender and Notcher. Very high quality, I felt it was a better buy than the JD. Talk to Scott from www.rockbuggysupply.com.

chadjans
04-23-2007, 11:27 PM
Another Pro Tools user. Als purchased from Scott at RBS. Compare the machining, fit and finish between the two and you will want a Pro Tools. Check out the Bending 101 on pirate this how I have bent tubes for years and only have wasted less than 10 feet. :goodman:

OverkillZJ
04-24-2007, 09:06 AM
Built the buggy with a borrowed JD2 which I was happy with, but I have a shiny new Pro Tools (HD) here I haven't used yet... Just fit / finish like Chad said is better.

I guess they both do the same thing, but this one is shinner ;)

OverkillZJ
04-24-2007, 09:06 AM
Oh.. I don't think you can beat the pro tools notcher though

ATL ZJ
04-24-2007, 11:39 AM
Built the buggy with a borrowed JD2 which I was happy with, but I have a shiny new Pro Tools (HD) here I haven't used yet... Just fit / finish like Chad said is better.

I guess they both do the same thing, but this one is shinner ;)

Also the arms are thicker. (5/8" vs. the 1/2" of the JD2). Even though I haven't used one, I would probably argue that the protools is a little beefier overall..

But I had to be able to bend 180* and the way protools offers their dies, the package with the 240 degree die was too expensive of an option for me at the time compared to the JD2 package.

chadjans
05-01-2007, 02:43 AM
Pro tools 105 comes in two flavors the standard duty and the heavy duty. The SD has 1/2" thick arms and the HD has 5/8".

ELLLLLIOTTTTT
05-01-2007, 03:03 AM
Well since no one has said it yet....


"TUBE SHARK!!" :smt057

Brad S
03-04-2009, 06:35 PM
Digging up an old thread I realize, but I figured that I would just add to this to keep all the facts in one place.

I'm considering purchasing a tube bender and I had a few additional questions...

I have done a lot of reading and I think I'm pretty set on the Pro Tools bender and Tube Notcher. From you guys who have them, what are some tips on what is needed and what is not?

1) Did you guys go with the 'heavy duty' or just the standard duty and why? I realize that might depend greatly on what size of tubing you are going to use which brings me to my next question.

2) What is the standard size of tubing used in the offroad industry? I thought I remembered Kraqa saying something about this one time but couldn't find it again. I have read all the debates of tube vs pipe yada yada, but as far as OD goes, what sizes are typical? I'm planning on building things ranging from structural such as cages to lightweight items such as roof racks.

3) Dies - 180* or 240*?
Will you need different dies for pipe than you would for tubing? If so, why is this?

4) Accessories - What's the good and the bad?
Handle I take it is probably a good thing to buy. Is the stand worth the price or just make your own?
Die ring is worthless, no?


Standard hole notcher ok, or is the heavy duty needed?
Any tips would be appreciated!

chadjans
03-04-2009, 06:53 PM
1) Did you guys go with the 'heavy duty' or just the standard duty and why? I realize that might depend greatly on what size of tubing you are going to use which brings me to my next question.

2) What is the standard size of tubing used in the offroad industry? I thought I remembered Kraqa saying something about this one time but couldn't find it again. I have read all the debates of tube vs pipe yada yada, but as far as OD goes, what sizes are typical? I'm planning on building things ranging from structural such as cages to lightweight items such as roof racks.

3) Dies - 180* or 240*?
Will you need different dies for pipe than you would for tubing? If so, why is this?

4) Accessories - What's the good and the bad?
Handle I take it is probably a good thing to buy. Is the stand worth the price or just make your own?
Die ring is worthless, no?




1. HD
2. No such thing as standard. Most use anything from 1 1/2" od to 2" for cages. .120 to .130 wall. It stick to 3/4 to 1 inch od for accessories.
3. 240*. You will find out why when you start bending tube and the first time you need a bend at 181*.
4. Make your own handle our of some 1 x 2 x .120 wall square tube. Make your own stand. Off set the bender. Don't waste your money on the degree ring. Get an angle finder. I use this one: http://www.boschtools.com/Products/MeasuringAndLayout/Pages/BoschProductDetail.aspx?pid=DWM40L

Brad S
03-04-2009, 07:05 PM
Thanks, good info - what do you mean by offsetting the bender on the stand?

ATL ZJ
03-04-2009, 07:33 PM
my personal opinions...

1. Beefier is better for most shop tools, also true here.
2. IMO, standard for cages and chassis is 1.75" .120 wall. 1.5" .120 wall chromoly and 1.75" 0.90 wall chromoly are also commonly used by folks with deep pockets.
3. 180 degrees is more than I've ever needed. Shock hoops are the only time you'll even get near 180. besides, bend too far past 180 and you have to cut the tube off your die!
4. Agreed with Chad that some sort of protractor is essential. But I just use a clear non digital one I got from a local hardware place.

slim616
03-04-2009, 07:37 PM
When I got my pro tool it came with the stand and handel for free. The 1.75 inch die is a good middle of the road die to use. Also those tube notchers are a great time saver.

ATL ZJ
03-04-2009, 08:24 PM
Yeah I highly recommend 1.75 tube. 2" is bulky, heavy, and makes cages ugly IMO. Notchers are fun and fast but I only use mine maybe 25% of the time.. and they are worthless when notching bends.

zj95maxx
03-04-2009, 08:25 PM
get an degree finder and a plane of bend tool so your bends come out straight when doing multiple bends

Brad S
03-05-2009, 09:17 AM
What radius of dies are best?

zj95maxx
03-05-2009, 10:48 AM
My 1.75 4.5CLR 180 degree die is working pretty snazzy

Brad S
03-06-2009, 04:37 PM
Has anyone ever heard of a standard duty ProTools bender failure in the arms? I mean, has anyone ever jacked up the bender because the arms weren't the Heavy Duty size?

ATL ZJ
03-06-2009, 04:43 PM
Worth reading: http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=286861&highlight=

rstrucks
03-06-2009, 05:21 PM
It might be a little late or off topic but I just got my hands on the new JD2 Model 32 bender. It's "beefier" than the model 3 and can use a electric/hydraulic ram instead of manual only. The E/H option is not cheap - and probably not needed unless you are bending 3/16" or thicker tube. I did manage to bend some 3/16's with the model 3 but it was a work-out - that's why I'm so buff:D.

http://www.jd2.com/

Brad S
03-06-2009, 05:27 PM
Well, that thread from Pirate is proof enough that you'd be better off with the HD version. It did seem like more people were breaking the JD2 benders than the Pro Tools though...

Also, as far as the debate about 180* 240* - someone was saying that anything over 180* and you won't be able to get the tube off the die. Thoughts?

Finally, anyone know if you can bend pipe with a tube die?

rccolacc
03-06-2009, 05:42 PM
I've heard you could bend pipe on a tube die, but you really increase the risk of harming the die. If the diameters of the tube you're bending don't match the die's, you're more likely to scratch and scrape up the die.
That's just what I've heard though, no personal experience.
FWIW, it's a lot easier to bend pipe than it is tube, so I'm sure you'd really be risking it by using a pipe die to bend tube (since it's harder to bend).
-RC

chadjans
03-07-2009, 01:46 PM
Also, as far as the debate about 180* 240* - someone was saying that anything over 180* and you won't be able to get the tube off the die. Thoughts?



Never happened to me. Why make a 240* die then?

slim616
03-07-2009, 02:48 PM
Has anyone ever heard of a standard duty ProTools bender failure in the arms? I mean, has anyone ever jacked up the bender because the arms weren't the Heavy Duty size?


Me, my hd arm cracked right were the pins go through on the upper arm. Still works but it has now progressed to a few other holes. Soon as I get a few dollars i'll need to order a new one.

Brad S
03-07-2009, 03:07 PM
were you trying to bend something over the recommended max wall thickness?

slim616
03-07-2009, 10:06 PM
nope standard tube, i think it was from sticking stuff down in the holes so when I took the pressure of the tube I could get it to hold in place so I could reset the arm for the next pull.

Brad S
03-12-2009, 12:25 PM
Ok, I can't decide what size of die to buy. Is 1.5" too large for a roof rack like the kor rack? I know I've seen people build internal cages with 1.5"

Most people go with 1.75" for cages and bumper stuff, correct?

Any suggestions?

paulkeith
03-12-2009, 12:34 PM
i think 1.75 would be the most useful. If you want to build a roof rack or something else out of smaller tube, i'd try some other methods of bending that stuff before dropping $200+ on an otherwise useless 1.25" bender die.

chadjans
03-12-2009, 12:57 PM
Look up the MOI numbers on the two sizes and decide what you want.

Brad S
03-12-2009, 02:20 PM
What does MOI stand for?

paulkeith
03-12-2009, 03:23 PM
moment of inertia

ATL ZJ
03-12-2009, 04:04 PM
IMO, MOI is better used for picking link material than cage material.

zj95maxx
03-12-2009, 06:36 PM
Ok, I can't decide what size of die to buy. Is 1.5" too large for a roof rack like the kor rack? I know I've seen people build internal cages with 1.5"

Most people go with 1.75" for cages and bumper stuff, correct?

Any suggestions?

I think 1.75 is perfect for internal, sliders, tube fenders, and all that jazz. 1"-1.25" for racks, 1.5" for cages and whatnot is good too if your worried about space, but I am a fan of the 1.75.:smt066

chadjans
03-12-2009, 06:47 PM
IMO, MOI is better used for picking link material than cage material.

i agree. but it is a good baseline for a basis of comparison for both.