Tube Bender on Harbor Freight

[FrenchChili]

Which one would you recommend? I have to spend money I don't have....:rolleyes:

http://search.harborfreight.com/cpisearch/web/search.do?keyword=bender

[UNSTUCK]

There's a difference between tube and pipe benders, so be sure to get the one you want.

[FrenchChili]

There's a difference between tube and pipe benders, so be sure to get the one you want.


You mean the $6.99 pipe bender won't work for 1.75 DOM? Oh darn, I just ordered it :eek:

[Tom Schenk]

You might be able to get good bends with no kinks if you:

-fill the tube with sand and tape the ends

-use lots of lube where the bender contacts the tube

-get the dies as smooth as possible

[papajeep]

You wont be happy with any of those unless your bending conduit.

[Allen]

Look at the model 3 from JD squared $295 bends 2"DOM

http://www.jd2.com/

[mingoglia]

I think this should build a nice cage:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/photos/94500-94599/94571.gif

[rockwerks]

The JD2 model 3 is actually a rip off of the Mtech unit model 3 built in Phoenix and the same price. The JD2 unit came out several years after I had my Mtech unit


buy local

http://www.mtechsupply.com/view_page.php3?getcategory=Benders&prodid=184


Oh and none of those harbor freight units will give you what you want, unless you are looking for nasty crinkled bends:D

[Hunter]

Well, The JD2 has been around almost as long as my Pro-Tool Bender. I have over 10 years with my bender. Pretty sure that is quite a few years longer than M-Tech.

Another major problem that can happen with those pipe benders Frenchi, is the large radius they come in. If you can get past the kinking, which, is pretty hard to do (unless you go off the deep end thick wall pipe, close to 1/4") the dies for the larger pipe come in huge radiuses. (Oh however you spell that, its early) Some of them push 8 inch. Which, is really hard to work with when it comes to cages.

[rockwerks]

Well, The JD2 has been around almost as long as my Pro-Tool Bender. I have over 10 years with my bender. Pretty sure that is quite a few years longer than M-Tech.



Either way they are all identical in design. and function. buy local

[mingoglia]

Either way they are all identical in design. and function. buy local

X3 on both of those. I've spent a lot of time researching benders over the last month or so and think both are the best bang for the buck. I will probably end up with the Pro Tools like Hunter, but the JD2 is just as good. Wherever you can find the best deal.

I'll be ordering mine pretty soon. My plan is also to modify it to accept an electric over hydraulic ram to a) make it much easier, b) make it so I don't have to bolt it to the floor, and c) make it much easier. :) :)

[rockwerks]

X3 on both of those. I've spent a lot of time researching benders over the last month or so and think both are the best bang for the buck. I will probably end up with the Pro Tools like Hunter, but the JD2 is just as good. Wherever you can find the best deal.

I'll be ordering mine pretty soon. My plan is also to modify it to accept an electric over hydraulic ram to a) make it much easier, b) make it so I don't have to bolt it to the floor, and c) make it much easier. :) :)

why would you order one and pay shipping when you can pick it up in town and save money?

[papajeep]

Mtech doesnt have a place to pick it up. But when I ordered mine it was here the next day. the die took 2 weeks from back east though.

[Tom Schenk]

Looks like the 2 are exactly the same:

Here's a pic of the JD Model 3
http://www.jd2.com/images/m3b_hyd.jpg

Here's a pic of the Mtech Model 3
http://www.mtechsupply.com/images/md3hykit.jpg

[Jeep4ME]

I'm thinking about building this. It takes the pro-tools dies. This is a great write up and you can purchase the plans for $20.

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

[dirtgrip]

Aren,t the dies more expensive than the benders? Maybe try to buy a bender that shares the same dies that a buddy has.

[rockwerks]

Mtech doesnt have a place to pick it up. But when I ordered mine it was here the next day. the die took 2 weeks from back east though.

funny I picked up one several months ago for a guy......no issues at all

[mingoglia]

Aren,t the dies more expensive than the benders? Maybe try to buy a bender that shares the same dies that a buddy has.

If I remember correctly the dies are in the $125 to $180 range for the Pro Tools in the typical sizes... the larger sizes are more expensive. They also have square tubing dies although I don't recall for how much those run.

[rockwerks]

If I remember correctly the dies are in the $125 to $180 range for the Pro Tools in the typical sizes... the larger sizes are more expensive. They also have square tubing dies although I don't recall for how much those run.

dies. these are the same as the JD and Pro tools

http://www.mtechsupply.com/display.php3?getcategory=Model+3+Die+Sets&session=238b1dcf9766618625e4b612b3064081

[Griswold]

Looks like the 2 are exactly the same:

Here's a pic of the JD Model 3
http://www.jd2.com/images/m3b_hyd.jpg

Here's a pic of the Mtech Model 3
http://www.mtechsupply.com/images/md3hykit.jpg

They are the same bender. Mtech modifies the JD with a brass bushing at the main die pin that holds the bender together when the die pin is not in. The JD is held together by the main die pin. They both use JD dies and followers.

[Oc1paddler]

I bought mine from M-tech a couple of years ago. I called them up and they met me at their shop and let me test it out before I bought it. Loaded up the bender, two sets of dies, and a notcher and was on the road a few minutes later. Nice people to deal with.

[papajeep]

funny I picked up one several months ago for a guy......no issues at all
i bought 1 - 1 month ago and was told they dont have a warehouse and it would be shipped. no problem there, with 1 day shipping and all. Maybe you know them personally and are privy to things mere mortals arent.:cool:

[dirtgrip]

If I remember correctly the dies are in the $125 to $180 range for the Pro Tools in the typical sizes... the larger sizes are more expensive. They also have square tubing dies although I don't recall for how much those run.
1-3/4" Round Tube Die Set 6.5"CLR 180Degrees
Price: $285.00 Shipping: $40.00
Minimum wall recommended .083" Most common uses are roll cages and bumpers.