whats the next step up from a model 3 bender?

[71RCKCRZR RYAN]

i know its been talked about before but not in the forum :flipoff2:

so...????????

is it just ease of puting the tubing in the bender from the top....instead of sliding it in. seams like a time saver to me....but?????

has anybody thought of using the jd2 dies and making a base and have the main die rotate from below....just like the high $$$ benders but for a lot less???? hmmmmmmmmmm what would it take....???

[camo]

the next step up from the hossfield die type benders would be something like this http://www.ercolina-usa.com/

i have used them on a few occasions and for one off fabbing they are overkill. they really are geared more for production work. i have seen a few on ebay go for around 5 to 6 k. retail starts around 10k

[71RCKCRZR RYAN]

http://www.ercolina-usa.com/megabender.htm

what about making a jd2 m3 into something like this one?????

add a little grainger, a dash of northern tools, and walla...:)

[camo]

i have never seen it done but don't let that stop you. think it through and build one.

[Trick-Tools.com]

There is another step in between, check out the Mittler 2500 machine: http://www.vansantent.com/tube_bending_machines/2500_bender.htm

Its a nice machine for much less than the programable units!