Variable radius tube bending

[squirriljeep]

I am interested in long bends with large radii, and figure this is the way to go. I think they are also refered to as 3 roller or roll benders. I am wondering if anyone here is experienced with these type of benders, either cnc or hand, and has some recommendations for machines.

[xdriver]

Well a roller can do large radii but most any bender can form a large radius if you know how to. Instead of using the die the way you make a normal bend. You need to make a bunch af marks on the tube in say one inch increments from the start to where you want the end of the bend and instead of using the die to form the whole radius you bend say 5 degrees at the first mark then move the tube to the second mark and bend another 5 and so on until you get the desired radius. I am a fabricator by trade and have formed large radii on old skool Hossfield benders many times. Rollers are nice but they are pretty expensive and you are better off saving your money for material.

[Supergper]

no way man...if you will be doing large radius bends then there is no other way than to get a roller. The method of using multiple small bends is hack at best. Its also a PITA to get a decent straight bend...they are pricey though and if you aren't going to be needing it a lot then its prolly not worth it.

[xdriver]

Quote
no way man...if you will be doing large radius bends then there is no other way than to get a roller. The method of using multiple small bends is hack at best. Its also a PITA to get a decent straight bend...they are pricey though and if you aren't going to be needing it a lot then its prolly not worth it.
__________________

Done it with a Hossfield.....I have done 5 to 10 inch radius bends without a die of the proper radius, and it is possible to do bigger. Sometimes a one of does not justify spending 5 to 10 grand on a special machine to make a few parts. Furthermore if you are not using DOM you have a weld seam to keep it straight...if you are using DOM you make a mark on the center line. Not exactly.rocket science. And if he does not know and has to ask on a gay message board it probably is hack anyways. By the way what do you for a living there sir....I fabricate for a MAJOR susupension manufacturer and have built a few things in my time.

[Supergper]

Quote
no way man...if you will be doing large radius bends then there is no other way than to get a roller. The method of using multiple small bends is hack at best. Its also a PITA to get a decent straight bend...they are pricey though and if you aren't going to be needing it a lot then its prolly not worth it.
__________________

Done it with a Hossfield.....I have done 5 to 10 inch radius bends without a die of the proper radius, and it is possible to do bigger. Sometimes a one of does not justify spending 5 to 10 grand on a special machine to make a few parts. Furthermore if you are not using DOM you have a weld seam to keep it straight...if you are using DOM you make a mark on the center line. Not exactly.rocket science. And if he does not know and has to ask on a gay message board it probably is hack anyways. By the way what do you for a living there sir....I fabricate for a MAJOR susupension manufacturer and have built a few things in my time.
actually I used to build large aluminum fishing boats for part of the year and then the other part of the year I fished. I have TONS of experience working with tubing...so dont try and tell me how to do it, I'm not the one asking. If your reading comprehension was any better you'd see that I already said what you just said. If its for a few bends then buying a machine isn't worth it, if you will be doing a ton of bends then its sure as hell worth it. Also, you can find the manual rollers for just a couple hundred bucks and then they just go up from there depending on capacity and features. the quality of a rolled bend vs. one from a hossfeld style bender is not even a comparison...you'll be able to tell them apart every time. If thats the kind of product you like to pass on to the customer then thats your cup o' tea, but like I said, hack at best...

[fabcam]

actually I used to build large aluminum fishing boats for part of the year and then the other part of the year I fished. I have TONS of experience working with tubing...so dont try and tell me how to do it, I'm not the one asking. If your reading comprehension was any better you'd see that I already said what you just said. If its for a few bends then buying a machine isn't worth it, if you will be doing a ton of bends then its sure as hell worth it. Also, you can find the manual rollers for just a couple hundred bucks and then they just go up from there depending on capacity and features. the quality of a rolled bend vs. one from a hossfeld style bender is not even a comparison...you'll be able to tell them apart every time. If thats the kind of product you like to pass on to the customer then thats your cup o' tea, but like I said, hack at best...

x2

[cebby]

Also, you can find the manual rollers for just a couple hundred bucks and then they just go up from there depending on capacity and features.

What brand or where can we find these inexpensive manual rollers?

[cebby]

Here's the cheapest one I've found.

http://www.pro-tools.com/m3roll.htm

[Supergper]

What brand or where can we find these inexpensive manual rollers?
I have seen them on eBay before. Here is one that the auction is over but you get the idea...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=42147&item=7509732350&rd=1

[cebby]

I have seen them on eBay before. Here is one that the auction is over but you get the idea...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=42147&item=7509732350&rd=1

Would that just need dies sized/shaped to the tube you'd be bending? Seems like a helluva deal!

[TLCObsession]

Or if it is long enough, make a wooden template, heat and bend by hand. I did it for a headboard I made.

Jim

[Supergper]

Would that just need dies sized/shaped to the tube you'd be bending? Seems like a helluva deal!
that I dont know, it looks like its prety heavy duty but without seeing it in person I dont knwo if it would be beefy enough for tubing. If it was beefy enough then I would assume all it would need is dies for the tube.

[Supergper]

Would that just need dies sized/shaped to the tube you'd be bending? Seems like a helluva deal!
that I dont know, it looks like its prety heavy duty but without seeing it in person I dont knwo if it would be beefy enough for tubing. If it was beefy enough then I would assume all it would need is dies for the tube.

[weedwacker]

Hey man, make your own. All you need is a lathe and some large diameter solid round stock. Mine is set up to roll 3/4 pipe (boat bow rails, tops) pm me some time if you want to check it out.