I see LOTS of them that are all look pretty much the same... www.pro-tools.com, JD2, etc...

I am all set to build the OneShot bender that Pro-Tools sells, but for various reasons I have decided that may not be the best (though certainly the cheapest) route to take.


I want to buy one TODAY... any suggestions? Please keep it to personal experiences only, I know most of you have read here that JD2 is th eone to get, but I would like opinions from people who have usd them.

I heard JD2 is backordered, is this true?

jd2 is backlogged 4 1/2 weeks.

pro-tools is shipping mine friday.

;)

Originally posted by watts
jd2 is backlogged 4 1/2 weeks.

pro-tools is shipping mine friday.

;)

So what did you get from Pro-Tools(bender, dies, etc.), and what did it cost you, out-the-door?

4 1/2 weeks!!!! Damn, yea id go pro-tool then. :D

but you don't have to buy the jd2 direct from them, try http://www.mtechsales.com or http://www.vansantent.com/

bender, stand, 2 dies, notcher, shipped and all $901

It prices out just like what's listed on the web site.

If you get 3 dies they give you 10% off the order.

Well, just talked to Medford Tools... they are calling me back when they can get it to me....

What does the Pro Tools one look like? I have used one at a buddies house, but can't remember the brankd. It rules though.

Erin

http://www.pro-tools.com/pro_model_105_mechanical_.htm

Looks like for comparable benders form Pro-Tools vs. the rest of them (I think the rest are getting them from JD2) - the Pro-Tools is roughly $100 more expensive than the JD2...


Is the degree ring necessary? After reading Tin Bender's article, I am thinking not....

So is the degree ring really necessary? After reading that article by Tin Bender, one would be inclined to think not...

Anyone?

For me, this would be a great way to save a few $$$ on this bender....

Seems like a person could come up with various other ways to handle the degree issue better... is this accurate?

Well I don't own one, but my whole rig was built with a Pro Tools bender. The bends are nice and clean.

I have a JD2 and I like it. It looks to me like the JD2 and the Pro-Tools are exactly the same thing except that with the JD2 it is cheaper and you have a larger selection on dies to choose from. I don't think you can go wrong with either one. I did have to wait like 3 or 4 weeks to get mine though. The degree ring is not necessary, but it sure makes things easier when you are making a bunch of the same bends. You could easily rig up your own degree ring if you want to save money. I think I spent about $900 for 2 dies, bender, and notcher. I made my own stand.

JD2 it is.... $532 to my door for bender, degree ring, and 1 3/4" 180 degree 6.5" die set....

Bad part is the 4 week delay :(

Check out Williams Low Buck Tools, They have a couple of home builder oriented brand benders for sale. He is well known in the circle track and drag racing crowd. Very reputable Company. I had a JD2 for awhile. and it worked great. I have since moved to a Hossfield hydrolic unit because of its ease of use and big variety of dies for all types of production fab work. ( I actually built my own and use the Hossfield dies) A JD2 is great unit for the home builder just looking to bend tube for himself and his buddys. But is not adequate for any kind of production work.

IMO, Don't waist the $$ on the degree ring....

No matter how many times you screw with that thing, you'll never get the same bend twice.... Think about it your bending a 4" long piece and the degree ring only sit's a couple inches away.... Sooooooo 1/32 of an inch at 4" is ALOT at 4'...

Originally posted by Tin Bender
IMO, Don't waist the $$ on the degree ring....

No matter how many times you screw with that thing, you'll never get the same bend twice.... Think about it your bending a 4" long piece and the degree ring only sit's a couple inches away.... Sooooooo 1/32 of an inch at 4" is ALOT at 4'...

Now why the hell did you not reply BEFORE I orderd? :(

I just got a JD2 with the Degree ring and I haven't even used the ring...It really is not needed. I use a large adjustable angle guage instead...Got it from Home Cheapo! The JD2 works great...but I'm sure the others work great as well.

That is the bender we use. You don't need the degree ring if you have any common scents knowledge. You can mark the indicating rod to make sure you get the same bend. That is what was used to build the Twisted Customs Buggy in the other post. Works great. We have used it to build racks, awnings, bumpers, crossmembers, and many other things.

Erin

WAY off topic, but willy where are you in S.D.??

Never mind!!! just read your info!...lol
I was born in Rapid city!! raised in Custer!!!!

Whew :eek:

Called back and canceled the degree ring - got me down to right at $500 to my door... gotta love it :cool2:

Oh, and the wife was not even pissed - life is GOOD :cool2:

Sorry about the delay...... It might be as painful as pull'n teeth, but if you have any questions, give me a call/or pm..:D:D:D

I bought the JD2 and I love it. I converted it to a "hydraulic" bender with about $350.00. I can bend with the pull of a handle-very nice. It's worth the wait......I waited 3 weeks for mine a year ago.....:beer: :p :eek:

Originally posted by Tin Bender
Sorry about the delay...... It might be as painful as pull'n teeth, but if you have any questions, give me a call/or pm..:D:D:D


TB, from the bottom of my heart - YOU DA MAN! :D:D:D


Shaker - I think I have the parts to convert yo hydro, we shall see when it gets here... yes, ram, control valve, and electric motor controls will be nice on it :D:D:D

Originally posted by DRM
JD2 it is.... $532 to my door for bender, degree ring, and 1 3/4" 180 degree 6.5" die set....

Bad part is the 4 week delay :(

Hey, I was just outside bending with that exact combo. :D BTW overall I agree with TB.. I use the degree wheel only to get a rough idea of when to start checking religiously.

Originally posted by mike


Hey, I was just outside bending with that exact combo. :D BTW overall I agree with TB.. I use the degree wheel only to get a rough idea of when to start checking religiously.

yeah.. rub it in buddy :rolleyes: :p :D

I am also getting ready to buy a bender. Which dies do you guys reccomend? I am talking about the CL. I am getting 1 1/2 and 2 in. dies in 180 but what is the difference in the CL on the 3 options? What do youy guys have? WHat did you orer Dave?

I got the 1 3/4" die set - 180 degree, 6.5" radius.

I figure I will add the 1" dies next, then the 2".

I too am ready to buy one. Anyone know if they give volume discounts??

drm...take heart jd2 always says that the are back logged 4 weeks and thats what they said when i orders a new die 4 weeks ago. it showed up in 2 weeks. also about a month ago i ordered a model 2 for a friend and it showed up in less than 2 weeks even though they said it would be 4 weeks. i think they say 4 weeks so you don't call and bug them and are then happy when it comes early.

Ok, so how bad are the cheapo Harbor Freight models. I have heard they leave little kinks at the end of the bends. Does it efect the structor of the tube. Or just not look as clean. Not to worried about looks but want to build a cage sooo.

so david ready to start making bumpers, sliders and either a exo cage or a in-cab cage? :p

I just ordered a JD2 as well they gave me the 4 week speech also. Sounds like I need to call and cancel my degree ring. :mad:

Originally posted by TreeFittyRanger
Ok, so how bad are the cheapo Harbor Freight models. I have heard they leave little kinks at the end of the bends. Does it efect the structor of the tube. Or just not look as clean. Not to worried about looks but want to build a cage sooo.

If you don't mind using pipe, and are not relying solely on it for your noggin' protection, go for it :D:D:D

http://www.tennessee4x4.com/toyota/images/nyd/nyd-04.jpg




And if you REALLY want one, I will sell you one cheaper than they will :p:p:p

FYI Update:

Ordered 12/18/01

Medford Tools called me Monday - 1/14/02 - and said my bender will ship out this week, and I should have it next week.

About what they said - 4 weeks or so....

sweet, you'll have fun with it dave :)

Originally posted by mike
sweet, you'll have fun with it dave :)

Oh I am gonna try reeeeeeeeeal hard to ;)

HAHAHA you'll start using it for odd projects. I got bored today and bent a welding table. :eek:

I ordered my jd2 model 3 bender 2nd week of December and it has not showed up after calling them they said it would ship this week