homebuilt tubing bender

[bigtoy302]

i just finished my homebuilt tubing bender and it works great. i bought the plans of ebay and got a pro-tools 105 die from rock buggy supply.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=197668&stc=1

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=197669&stc=1

[Tim84K10]

How much did it cost to make, total? How much time? Material?

Interested in selling copies of the plans?

[Aces'n'8s]

How much did it cost to make, total? How much time? Material?

Interested in selling copies of the plans?


x2!

That bender looks great! What size bolts did you use 1/2", 5/8", etc.? What size cross pins did you use?

I'm insterested as well. How much did you pay for the plans? If you don't want to sell them yourself, what seller lists those plans?

[66CJdean]

Thats cool. Very simple and looke effective. On that hoist jack you use they sell air powered ones for about $180 at northern tool.

[bigtoy302]

i had about $100 in materials in the bender. the jack bolt are 5/8 the lower die pins 7/8 and the main die pin the holds the die on is 1". i used 4140 then flame hardend them for the pins. the die came with two 7/8 pins.

[skinny_pedal]

Thats cool. Very simple and looke effective. On that hoist jack you use they sell air powered ones for about $180 at northern tool.


so you saying it could be a hands free operation?

[elliott]

I just bought those plans off ebay. Looks great good job!

What size die did you buy? What degree die did you buy? 120* 180* 240*?

That is going to be my next project

If you would like to find them, just search ebay for tube bender. It is the heaver duty one listed.

If you can't find it. You can look here. tube bender (www.gotTrikes.com)

[cj7jeep]

Anybody buy dies from the link posted above?? http://www.gottrikes.com/

[elliott]

I don't think the guy sells dies.

Just the plans for the tube bender.

The plans use use a pro-tools die. square or round.

[Goat]

Seems like a whole lot of extra fab.

Why don't you guys just clone the protools 105 bender...thats what I did. It only cost $25 in surplus steel, arms are 5/8 thick.


http://www.no-bling.com/image_galleries/galleries/goat_Built/Bender3.JPG

['62FJ40]

Goat, what did you use or how much did it cost to get the arms cut out?
is it hydraulic or did you fab the leverage mech also? if hydraulic what did you spend on ram, pump, hoses, valves....ect
thanks

[bigtoy302]

iam using a 240 degree die, i built it this way because it is portable. the jd2 and pro-tools have to bolted the the floor.

[stomper4x4]

The JD2 and Pro-Tools style only has to be bolted to the floor if you are using it manualy, if its hydro it doesnt need to be bolted to the floor...

[Goat]

Goat, what did you use or how much did it cost to get the arms cut out?
is it hydraulic or did you fab the leverage mech also? if hydraulic what did you spend on ram, pump, hoses, valves....ect
thanks

I cut the arms out myself with a buddy, two benders were made. We did it using a gas hatchet, pedestal grinder and mill. It took about 18 man-hours, start to finish. So the total cost was $40 in surplus steel.

In the beginning I used the ratchet setup...but now it is manual hydro. The cylinder is something I got from gf's dad...it is hard to describe but imagine a 48" hydraulic hi-Lift jack. I'll try to find a pic.

I posted the arm plans a long time ago with the spacers and everything...do a search in Gen4x4 with my user name.

[DRM]

Are there any downsides to having it mounted that direction? It sure seems easier to get a long section of tube to rest vertical than it does when you are trying to get a long section to stay in plane mounted the regular way...

[Brandon]

Are there any downsides to having it mounted that direction? It sure seems easier to get a long section of tube to rest vertical than it does when you are trying to get a long section to stay in plane mounted the regular way...


ditto, and how much were the plans? I like it! I got a bunch of spare reciever tube around too...

EDIT - bout $20 for the plans

[Reflexx]

gents,

I just got my plans from www.gottrikes.com. They look first rate and very nice engineering job.

I've been looking for a bender to buy/build for a while now. Here's the reason I like this design the most:

1. not a "manual" bender. No bolting to the floor, or the room that it takes.

2. vertical design. with a pair of electronic levels, getting identical bends should be a snap.

3. uses common dies. Protools 105. any size up to 2." dia x .134" thick

4. portable - I'm adding wheels to mine so I can roll it anywhere!

5. $20 for a set of plans is a bargain!

The only down side (not for me) is you need a milling machine, fab skills, and welding skills. Or "friends with skills"

later,

Reflexx :D

[Brandon]

milling machine? What needs to be "milled" ?

Looks like just holes drilled (I got a drill press) and welding (I got a welder)

[Eric]

milling machine? What needs to be "milled" ?

Looks like just holes drilled (I got a drill press) and welding (I got a welder)

So you know your holes are DNO, not just close enough....:D

[Reflexx]

Brandon,

I only said milling machine because some of the holes are near an edge and might drift. A drill press will work just fine, just make sure you use a center-drill and gradually step up the drill sizes.

I'm gonna bore the holes :D 'cuz I can.

REFLEXX

[guinea13]

Seems like a whole lot of extra fab.

Why don't you guys just clone the protools 105 bender...thats what I did. It only cost $25 in surplus steel, arms are 5/8 thick.


http://www.no-bling.com/image_galleries/galleries/goat_Built/Bender3.JPG


Why not just go 3/4 and never look back. I have heard of poeple breaking the 5/8 ones right at the holes. All my steel was free and I got lucky and had mine milled for free also.

http://www.twistedfab.com/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/10002/normal_Bender6.jpg

[lsloth]

i just finished my homebuilt tubing bender and it works great. i bought the plans of ebay and got a pro-tools 105 die from rock buggy supply.



What tonnage ram is that? I like this idea, I can not afford full hydraulics right now but need the bender to not have be bolted to the ground. I have the Protools.

[guinea13]

Looks like an 8 ton

[lsloth]

Cool sounds like a I need to head over to the metal yard and HF and build a stand.

[lsloth]

I just had another thought, on my protools the ram will be sitting horizontally instead of more up and down like in the pictures at the top of this thread. Will the HF ram have problems running in the horizontal postion?

[bigtoy302]

it is hf 3 ton ram. i paid $40 for it. i was going to get the 8 ton but they were out and i did not want to wait.

[Reflexx]

Right now at HF they have the 8 ton ram "clevis bottom" for $40 till the 27th.

REFLEXX

[85 Chevota]

I got this 8 ton jack for $9.99:

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=43593&item=4386093688

[Brad]

Ordered the plans and Im glad I did. They are WAY better than I thought they would be. VERY detailed. Ive been looking at the air/hydraulic engine hoist jack that northern tool has. Is that the same size as the jack that this bender uses?

[Brandon]

those that have done this and don't have a machine shop in their garage, what did it cost to get the machine work done?

[bigtoy302]

i did all of the machining at my work.

[Goat]

those that have done this and don't have a machine shop in their garage, what did it cost to get the machine work done?

You prolly won't save any money, you might pay more. If you don't have the tools or the skills to build one then you will save $$ by buying a pro-tools bender.

[DrVic723]

just finished mine and here is my first project with it. cost me about 400-450 with the die set.

http://www.members.cox.net/drvic853r/fender4.JPG

http://www.members.cox.net/drvic853r/fender6.JPG

http://www.members.cox.net/drvic852/bender1.JPG


http://www.members.cox.net/drvic852/bender3.JPG

[85 Chevota]

Nice Job :beer:

[Hellbound]

very nice

[85 Chevota]

Who has copies of the plans they want to share? I looked on Ebay, but can't find them....

[Brad]

Who has copies of the plans they want to share? I looked on Ebay, but can't find them....
www.gottrikes.com

[Hero]

You prolly won't save any money, you might pay more. If you don't have the tools or the skills to build one then you will save $$ by buying a pro-tools bender.

What kind of machining are we talking about here? Anything more than drilling/cutting/welding? Or is there some lathe/mill work involved?

[Reflexx]

Hero,

Like you said. Just drill/cut/weld. I just suggested a mill because of the size of the holes. A mill is much beefier than a (HF) drill press.


DRVIC,

NICE JOB!!! On the bender AND the toy exo work.

REFLEXX

[DrVic723]

yeah, and a mill is far more accurate (in most cases) and accuracy counts here.

[Brad]

bringin this back. Im building one and I got 12 extra sets of the STYLE B arm ram spacers. If you are building one and want these then PM me

[FrontCC]

how much would this machine work cost (milling/drilling) just to assure they are all perfect and lined up?

[cheaprides]

can anyone just email me a copy it would be GREATLY appreciated

pm me if possible

[Goat]

how much would this machine work cost (milling/drilling) just to assure they are all perfect and lined up?

I can tell you that it took about 6 hours to make my bender. This was all cold cutting...no torch or plasma out of plate on a BP. A machinist will prolly charge you around 100-150 to drill those holes.

Like I said, if you can't do this yourself then it is cheaper for you to just buy a bender.

[FrontCC]

cool - ive never got machine work done so i didnt know how much that would run...

[CCF]

Hey all-
I like this thread alot. I have always liked this style bender much more than the "mechanical" benders on the market. The only reason I have not already built one, is because I wasnt sure how I could get multiple bends at the exact same angle? I have used a bender before, and the tubing always "rebounds" a little bit once the pressure is taken off of it. This, along with not knowing how to get consistent bends of the same angel degree has always confused me.
Is there just a simple measurement to take or possibly a degree wheel that could be integrated into it?
Thanks In Advance!
Kyle

[KYcrawler]

you can use a degree wheel for setting engine cams attatch it to the side of the die with some 2 sided tape and put on a pointer or take your reading off of the vertical upright of the bender

[CCF]

So its really not that difficult then? I did think about that..but I dont want to have "an idea" or "theory", then spend all the money to build it, and it not be what I want.
Kyle

[vintagespeed]

you can use a degree wheel for setting engine cams attatch it to the side of the die with some 2 sided tape and put on a pointer or take your reading off of the vertical upright of the bender

You can use a magnetic protractor on the tubing after the die. Once you figure out the 'overbend' amount for a size tubing it will be the same for each bend.

[KYcrawler]

You can use a magnetic protractor on the tubing after the die. Once you figure out the 'overbend' amount for a size tubing it will be the same for each bend.

the mount of overbend (spring back ) varies with the degree of the bend for each size tube and you would also have to compensate for the angle of the tube going into the bender . The degree wheel works better than the protractor in my experience

[blueballs]

Not totally true...... If you have the big one of these like I do (I also have the degree wheel) but this thing is a must-have for anyone serious about tube....IMO....you can find these at Home Depot and they are relatively cheap...super accurate.... and have 1 degree increments....


http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/4430/zz5ve.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Hoodlum]

i just finished my homebuilt tubing bender and it works great. i bought the plans of ebay and got a pro-tools 105 die from rock buggy supply.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=197668&stc=1

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=197669&stc=1


Does that design allow for more than a 90* bend in one stroke of the ram or do you have to jog the tube and rebend for 180*?

I think I might build me one.

[guidolyons]

If your stroke ain't long enough, you just re-pin the die. That's what the extra holes are for, tubing stays in the same place. Looks like the stroke on his cylinder is not long enough to bend greater than 90* with out re-pining

[bignissan]

i'm almost considering canning my jd2 for that.

[dumblucky]

if anyone is intrested in milling me a set of arms for this type bender hit me with PM

[Toonces75]

Hey if anyone is interested in building one and selling me one, PM me ....Please I am willing to pay, I just dont have the time or know how to build it.......Disable Vet. thanks

[chinweasle]

just looking at the pictures, this doesn't seem very difficult to build... and I like the fact that it bends vertically, I have more room to go up in my garage than I do side to side....

[Brad]

only part that is difficult is drilling the holes for the arms and especially the square tube frame, you only have 1/8" between holes on the square tube.

[toocoolforschoolTJ]

I think I am going to just buy the die set then build my own going off of that, it seems like it wouldn't bee that hard, just measure the center hole of the die, to the outer hole, then make a set of arms and a frame for it and voila. I imagine the holes where the ram mounts are rather arbitrary, just make it far enough so that the ram will have enough power to bend the tube we'll see and if it doesn't work i can just buy the bender to go with my die set and only be out like $50

[tennessee rockhumper]

i milled and welded one of these up in about 2 days fooling around in the garage.

i looked at the pic for about 30 minutes and noticed the holes are identical for the main arms, swing arms and pivot point holes to the holes for a pro 105. so i took apart my buddy's pro 105 and used it for a template on the mill. it worked perfectly and looks very similar to the one in the pic. i recommend tackwelding all the two pieces your drilling identical together before starting drilling and running several pins in the various holes at the same time before you start welding..

i did think that the triagulating arms that reinforce the 90 bend was too low in the pic so i raised mine to near the main pivot point and then ran 1/4 inch gussetts down to the bottom of the holes on the uprights. (hell, i ran gussetts everywhere. anything worth doing is worth overdoing)

one last thing, if you really take your time with the angle of your jack and the height of your upright, you can drill the holes different in the swing arm and get 95 degree bends without resetting. (need somewhere around 95 for the springback of the tube.)

i used:

pro 105 as a template for all the holes
5/8 plate 4 inches wide for swing arms
3/8 1 1/2 inch box steel for the frame
8 ton long ram jack
1/4 inch plate for gussetts for all 6 angles (3 on each side)

[dumblucky]

I looked at the steel shafts needed for this project and
1 youi need a 1: x 7.5 Thompson shaft
3 you need a 5/8" x 10.5" shaft

mc master want close to $20 bucks each!! wtf
any body got a line on some better prices on some hardend pins for this thing??

man this suker is starting to add up on the $$ still likeit better than the J2 but the list is getting expensive!!

Ok so its Monday and I called my local steel places to get some quotes for the steel involved

as the bill of material states
FRAME
20ft of 2" x 2" x 1/4" tube (20)FT = $70
iDLER ARMS
2.5 X 5/8" mETAL EXPRESS = $46
(OR A STICK OF 20FT LOCALLY) = $55

MISC DRILL BITS = $30
HARDENDED PINS 7/8" AND 1" (MCMASTERCARR) = 25
8 ton ram at Harbor frieght = $60

got trikes plans =$20
--------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL WITHOUT LABOR = $260

[Goat]

Don't use Thompson shafting...it's uber-ground for linear rails. Using it for die pins is rediculus. Find some pre-hardened tool steel or even hitch pins will work. A good grade of drill rod will work as well.

[Supergper]

I looked at the steel shafts needed for this project and
1 youi need a 1: x 7.5 Thompson shaft
3 you need a 5/8" x 10.5" shaft

mc master want close to $20 bucks each!! wtf
any body got a line on some better prices on some hardend pins for this thing??

man this suker is starting to add up on the $$ still likeit better than the J2 but the list is getting expensive!!

Ok so its Monday and I called my local steel places to get some quotes for the steel involved

as the bill of material states
FRAME
20ft of 2" x 2" x 1/4" tube (20)FT = $70
iDLER ARMS
2.5 X 5/8" mETAL EXPRESS = $46
(OR A STICK OF 20FT LOCALLY) = $55

MISC DRILL BITS = $30
HARDENDED PINS 7/8" AND 1" (MCMASTERCARR) = 25
8 ton ram at Harbor frieght = $60

got trikes plans =$20
--------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL WITHOUT LABOR = $260
thats pretty funny considering the jd2 is only $295 with no work on your part involved :D

[jmhinescj]

I'm looking seriously at building one of these...on the gottrikes site it says that it's only able to bend up to .120 wall tubing. Has anybody with one of these tried anything with a thicker wall than that? I know Iv'e seen people bend .183 wall tubing with a 105 so I guess it not limited cause of the die. So what then jack? strenth of the arms? design?

[Brad]

I'm looking seriously at building one of these...on the gottrikes site it says that it's only able to bend up to .120 wall tubing. Has anybody with one of these tried anything with a thicker wall than that? I know Iv'e seen people bend .183 wall tubing with a 105 so I guess it not limited cause of the die. So what then jack? strenth of the arms? design?

I havent finished building mine yet but I dont see why it wouldnt bend .183
The ram MAY be the limiting factor but I doubt it. The arms are the same thickness as the 105, maybe he just underrates his description so if someone cant get it to bend thicker than .120, its not his problem.

[jmhinescj]

I havent finished building mine yet but I dont see why it wouldnt bend .183
The ram MAY be the limiting factor but I doubt it. The arms are the same thickness as the 105, maybe he just underrates his description so if someone cant get it to bend thicker than .120, its not his problem.

Thats kinda what I was thinkin, about the ram I mean, then I saw that
bigtoy302 (the thread starter) is using a 3 ton ram on his. I know Iv'e heard of people bending .250 wall with a pro-tools type bender but it's a bitch to do. If he can bend .120 wall with a 3 ton then to me it stands to reason that if the rest of the assembly is up to it you should be able to bend .250 wall with the specified 8 ton ram. Can anybody that has a complete one of these comment on this.

[Joe_88k5]

I looked at the steel shafts needed for this project and
1 youi need a 1: x 7.5 Thompson shaft
3 you need a 5/8" x 10.5" shaft

mc master want close to $20 bucks each!! wtf
any body got a line on some better prices on some hardend pins for this thing??





I kept bending hitch pins on mine so I called Pro-Tools and found out that a set of 3 "stock" pins is only $11. The pivot pin and the swing arm pin should both work for this setup, but I'm not sure about the follower pin since the width of the tubes is quite a bit more than the width of the plates on a normal bender. The pin probably isn't long enough to make it all the way through both tubes. The other 2 pins should only cost like $7 from P-T though. I can't remember what shipping cost. I went through 3 $15 hitch pins before I found out how cheap the actual parts are.:mad3:

I think I'm going to rebuild my bender to this setup purely for the ease of loading tube into it when I'm working alone. Fighting gravity sucks. It looks like it might handle the stress of a full-hydro setup better too, no worries about warping plates.


Goat... I was looking around one day for that ratchet arm, now I know where it dissappeared too... :D

[Dalec]

So, I'm dubbing the model three, including building my own dies. It takes a long time to make a die out of 1/2" plate.

Does anyone know how far apart the notches on the ratchet are?

and

How far apart are the holes in the swing lever? That's the part that the handle slides onto, and the ratchet is pinned to. Like from the ratchet pin to the lever pivot.

[tennessee rockhumper]

the toughest thing i have bent was 2 inch .120 dom, no problem. by that i would say it would bend much thicker HREW or smaller diameter tube. i think it wouild bend a thicker DOM too. but as i posted earlier, i raised the triangluating support to the pivot point and ran gussets down where the holes are in the upright for the follow bar pin.

i had to go to a 12 inch long 7/8 grade 8 bolt for the pin for the follow bar, as questioned by joe 88 k5, the 105 pin is not long enough to go through both square tubes on the upright.

after manually bending 1 piece of 2 inch .120 wall dom at 90 degrees, i went and bought an 8 ton air over hydrolic. it was easier to bend it with a 105 than to hand pump that long ram jack all the way out.

if somebody wants to post a pic of it , i'll send it to an email address, let me know.

[Goat]

Goat... I was looking around one day for that ratchet arm, now I know where it dissappeared too... :D

Cody let me have it...in trade for some long days at the shop. Doesn't work very well...I think we f'ed something up when we built ours...

On a side note...it would be awesome if we could bend exhaust tube. I need new pipes and am not paying for crappy fit and booger welds.

[Joe_88k5]

I've done 2" exhaust tube with no problems. Made my x-over pipe and a full dual system for the 350 in Loco's CJ.

[DrVic723]

I bent 1.75 .250 wall with an air-over 8-ton ram with what seemed to be no real change in bending speed. The thompson shafts held up just fine.

[timberwolftaco]

i had to go to a 12 inch long 7/8 grade 8 bolt for the pin for the follow bar, as questioned by joe 88 k5, the 105 pin is not long enough to go through both square tubes on the upright.


Just bought steel to make this bender today, and am having trouble finding a 7/8 grade 8 bolt to use in place of the thomson pin. TNDie wanted $57 for the two hardened shafts.

[tennessee rockhumper]

Atlas Bolt Co. in chattanooga tn. 423-265 2341 i think i paid a little less than 15 dollars for the long 7/8ths. they did have to order it, and the other bolts i needed for me. it took 2 days to show, and they are very friendly and good to deal with.

[scoutver5.7]

Just got my plans today. Picking up the steel tomorrow.:smokin:

[Brad]

Still got 5 sets of the Style B spacers if anyone is interested in them. PM me

[generalee7]

Still got 5 sets of the Style B spacers if anyone is interested in them. PM me

What are these and are they necessary for building one of these benders? Pics?

I just got my plans off ebay :D

[Reflexx]

I finished my bender and am now doing some "bodywork" to make it look good.

I added castors and made the outside frame square, also added a place to hang more dies sets and the best modification.....

I got rid of the HF 8 tom manual ram and got one that's air over hydro for like $100. It took a hundred pumps to get a 90deg bend, Now I just squeeze the trigger and wait +/-20 seconds!

With an electronic level, I can duplicate bends within one or two degrees!

The "B" style spacers enable you to make the beefier arms for bending thicker walled stuff.

This bender is SWEET! But by the tiome you ad materials it was like $300. But way better than a horizontal "manual" bender"

my 2.5c

REFLEXX

[Brad]

What are these and are they necessary for building one of these benders? Pics?

I just got my plans off ebay :D
They space the ram end between the arms. Otherwise you use a bunch of washers. This looks better and stronger.

[generalee7]

I finished my bender and am now doing some "bodywork" to make it look good.

I added castors and made the outside frame square, also added a place to hang more dies sets and the best modification.....

I got rid of the HF 8 tom manual ram and got one that's air over hydro for like $100. It took a hundred pumps to get a 90deg bend, Now I just squeeze the trigger and wait +/-20 seconds!

With an electronic level, I can duplicate bends within one or two degrees!

The "B" style spacers enable you to make the beefier arms for bending thicker walled stuff.

This bender is SWEET! But by the tiome you ad materials it was like $300. But way better than a horizontal "manual" bender"

my 2.5c

REFLEXX

That air over hydro sounds nice, where did you pick it up?

[scoutver5.7]

Yeah, what air over hydro did ya get? Part Number?

Also, would any of you who did any mods please post up with picks of the bender or of the plans. especially the locator pin to get 95 degree bends. I'm having a little trouble figureing them out exactly.

Yeah, I know, I'm like that.

[Reflexx]

http://www.nationalwholesaletools.com/browseproducts/8-Ton-Air---Hydraulic-Long-Ram-Jack.html

This looks just like the one I got, but make sure it's the same length retracted and extended! take a look at the pics of the bender, the square tubes that go down at 45 degrees need to be spread apart to fit the air/hydro ram better. I've got mine squeezed in, but I had to remove the manual handle.

[generalee7]

http://www.nationalwholesaletools.com/browseproducts/8-Ton-Air---Hydraulic-Long-Ram-Jack.html

This looks just like the one I got, but make sure it's the same length retracted and extended! take a look at the pics of the bender, the square tubes that go down at 45 degrees need to be spread apart to fit the air/hydro ram better. I've got mine squeezed in, but I had to remove the manual handle.

Do you mean the same length retracted and extended as the HF jack? It would proabably be easy to make those 45* square tubes that go down out of 1.5"x1.5"x1/4" to make the ram fit better.

[generalee7]

Here is one I found at Northern tool, a bit pricey

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=6970&productId=200311799&R=200311799

Another I found at Northern tool

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?addon=true&storeId=6970&productId=941216&R=941216

Here is one on ebay for $.99 and $80 shipping HAHA

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/8-TON-LONG-RAM-AIR-HYDRAULIC-JACK-FOR-CHERRY-PICKER_W0QQitemZ4603252706QQcategoryZ35000QQcmdZVi ewItem

[guidolyons]

I got my 8 ton Air/hydraulic ram at Pep Boys...$199. Came with a free engine hoist :) Which will be great until I need the bender and the hoist at the same time ;)

[generalee7]

Looks like the one reflexx posted is the best priced one :D

[Tex1978]

Just got the plans from Trikebuilder......I was wondering what is the deal with all the holes in the swing arm? Can someone explain what holes I can do without on this thing? Just using a 1.75" die right now.

Also I have heard people say they can get more degrees out of a die without spending the $260 or whatever for the 240 degree die, can anybody elaborate?

[generalee7]

Just got the plans from Trikebuilder......I was wondering what is the deal with all the holes in the swing arm? Can someone explain what holes I can do without on this thing? Just using a 1.75" die right now.

Also I have heard people say they can get more degrees out of a die without spending the $260 or whatever for the 240 degree die, can anybody elaborate?

Same reason Pro-Tools and JD2 put holes in everything. More adjustments, not sure what each one does though :flipoff2:

[Tex1978]

Every pic I see of it shows the "jack" in the same hole. And it looks if you use the same die that you only need a couple of holes in the 2x2 uprights.

[born loser]

how to get 180 of bend on a 110 die.
http://gottrikes.com/images/heavybender3(3).JPG

[guidolyons]

how to get 180 of bend on a 110 die.
http://gottrikes.com/images/heavybender3(3).JPG

It looks like he just added a locking collar to complete a 180* Pretty slick.

[generalee7]

That is much more incentive to get a Pro Tools 120 die! :flipoff2:

[Brad]

It looks like he just added a locking collar to complete a 180* Pretty slick.
Looks to me like its 2 seperate bends and he has the collar there because the U shape clamp wouldnt hold like it would if it was just a straight peice of tube.

[guidolyons]

Looks to me like its 2 seperate bends and he has the collar there because the U shape clamp wouldnt hold like it would if it was just a straight peice of tube.

Yep, exactly what I was thinkin' That should save some $$ on dies :D Since most bends would be less than 110* but when you need another 70*, the locking collar keeps the U-clamp from slipping.

[yotaboy79]

i built the same one about 7 months ago and its been treating me realy well i plan on converting it to full hydro here soon i also re worked the plans a little bit on the frame i used 1 1/4 .095 wall on every part of the frame exept the two uprights which i used the 2x2x.250 im just using regular cold rolled round for the pins and i havent had any sighns of fatege or falure

[rockdog57]

Just finished building this bender myself. I decided to go full hydro. I'm really happy with how it turned out. It is a good plan for a do it yourselfer and works great for a full hydro unit.:smokin:

[Reflexx]

gents!

I found the air/hydro unit that I bought. I know it works with this bender , once you remove the manual handle. Somewhat quiet.

http://centralonlinesales.com/show_Product.asp?ID=1545

[generalee7]

Awesome!! I'll be ordering that as soon as I get some cash :)

What do you mean by somewhat quiet? Whats the loud part?

[oldjeep]

Cool, just ordered the plans, and found that same air/hydro unit for $66
http://www.uneedtools.com/airhydraulic-long-jack-p-1762.html

[Mud in the blood]

Here is one on ebay for $.99 and $80 shipping HAHA

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/8-TON-LONG-RAM-AIR-HYDRAULIC-JACK-FOR-CHERRY-PICKER_W0QQitemZ4603252706QQcategoryZ35000QQcmdZVi ewItem

I orderd this one, $80.99 is a good deal. It works great, only tolk 4 days to get it, and for less than the price of just a pump I have the pump and ram for my hydro conversion:smokin: :smokin:
I'm gona convert my Pro tools manual bender and convert it to a hydro vert bender:cool2:

[generalee7]

Has anyone used a drill press on theirs? I have access to a large Craftsman floor press with the proper clamping tools (very accurate vices). Was it tough to get the holes accurate enough?

[rockdog57]

Has anyone used a drill press on theirs? I have access to a large Craftsman floor press with the proper clamping tools (very accurate vices). Was it tough to get the holes accurate enough?

Yes, thats what I used. I used small bits to start with, then went up in size in steps. Ran the drill press on slow speed (250 rpm's) and clamped the stock down tight. I also tack welded apossing (sp) pieces togeather so the holes would all line up. They didn't turn out perfect, but they are close enough.

[dumblucky]

Has anyone used a drill press on theirs? I have access to a large Craftsman floor press with the proper clamping tools (very accurate vices). Was it tough to get the holes accurate enough?

I was also worried abouit he accuracy of a press instead of a mill..
I talked to 3 difffrent people who have built these arms and the consensus is that a press works just fine..

I drew my template on one of the arms..just amke sure that the measurements are exactly correct ..I tacked the arms together and drilled pilot holes..1/4" I believe..then I seperated the arms and drilled out the holes..

no problem..
I did find that steping up the drill bit size didint work
so I jsut went from the 1/4" pilot right to 7/8" or 3/4"

lots of cutting oil

each hole took me about 5 min..the bit would bind up sometimes..no biggie
I used HF bits the $22 set
and one 7/8" bit got me about 12 holes

[oldjeep]

Cool, just ordered the plans, and found that same air/hydro unit for $66
http://www.uneedtools.com/airhydraulic-long-jack-p-1762.html

Just a note, receieved this a couple days ago and it is a little different than the others pictured. The bottom mount is fixed and pointing the wrong direction

[tennessee rockhumper]

i built the same one about 7 months ago and its been treating me realy well i plan on converting it to full hydro here soon i also re worked the plans a little bit on the frame i used 1 1/4 .095 wall on every part of the frame exept the two uprights which i used the 2x2x.250 im just using regular cold rolled round for the pins and i havent had any sighns of fatege or falure


i bent the crap out of the cold roll 1 inch main pin on 2 inch DOM. i do not suggest this. i almost screwed up my die. find something stronger.

[Jeepin5.0]

Hey, how long did the the trikes guy take to send you the pans that you paid for?
Just curious
Josh

[oldjeep]

Hey, how long did the the trikes guy take to send you the pans that you paid for?
Just curious
Josh

Got mine the same day. 12 hours maybe

[Jeepin5.0]

about what are you guys forkin over for the materials? and with that price, are they cut to size?
I got access to a full machine shop...mills lathes, you know it., prob is that i don't have the time. i'm thinkin about having the steel supplier cut it to length for me, and I'll do the drilling/welding.
Josh

[oldjeep]

about what are you guys forkin over for the materials? and with that price, are they cut to size?
I got access to a full machine shop...mills lathes, you know it., prob is that i don't have the time. i'm thinkin about having the steel supplier cut it to length for me, and I'll do the drilling/welding.
Josh

Cost me $100 for 24 feet of 2x2x.25 in 8 ft chunks.
The 4 feet of 2.5x5/8 cold roll was $33 - with the individual pieces cut to size.

Doesn't take much time to cut the pieces, my little 4x6 bandsaw cut all the 2x2 in a couple hours.

[Jeepin5.0]

got a price of all the steel cut to size within 1/16th inch for $130....think i'm going with that.
Josh

[Tex1978]

We were unable to find the 5/8" plate so I guess we are gonna use 3/4 and mill the ends where it swings through the upright 2x2. Still kinda up in the air about it.

[Reflexx]

Glen!

just weld the two upright 2x2's slightly wider apart. that should do it!

[Tex1978]

Thought about that too. I don't see that it will affect anything really if we do that.

[yotaboy79]

i bent the crap out of the cold roll 1 inch main pin on 2 inch DOM. i do not suggest this. i almost screwed up my die. find something stronger.
ive bent 1 1/2 .188 dom which is actualy more than the dies are rated for with out any problems no sighns of falier or any thing and i dont plan on bending any thing stronger than that

[tennessee rockhumper]

glen:
reflexx is correct. i just made mine wider to accomedate the 3/4 inch plate, no problem i can see happened

yotaboy79:
a 2 inch .120 wall DOM will bend a cold roll main pin. i bent mine and had to sawzall the pin out to the left and to the right of the die to remove it then drive the pin out of the die with a punch and a BFH. if your bending 1 1/2 inch .188 wall with a coldroll pin, more power to you, just keep an eye on it. IMO its worth an upgraded pin not to destroy a expensive die, like i almost did.

[Tex1978]

Cool will probably just do that.

So what is the consensus on the pins......Protools pins??

[tennessee rockhumper]

protools pins are not long enough for this design, that why i was posting earier about some large grade 8 bolts instead of cold roll pins

[Tex1978]

OK, I was just wondering since someone back on Pg. 3 said they bought all the pins from PT for like $11 bucks.

[Reflexx]

Why not just buy some hardened shafting from mcmaster.com

I'd be afraid of using gr8 bolts, that's alot of pressure on the peaks of the threads. It might gall into the steel dies or bender arms.

It's more money, but you get what you pay for.

I might be finally painting my bender Tues night, i'll post pics as soon as I've got some.

[generalee7]

Why not just buy some hardened shafting from mcmaster.com

I'd be afraid of using gr8 bolts, that's alot of pressure on the peaks of the threads. It might gall into the steel dies or bender arms.

It's more money, but you get what you pay for.

I might be finally painting my bender Tues night, i'll post pics as soon as I've got some.

I bought hardened shafts from them, nice quality!

[Todd W]

I bought hardened shafts from them, nice quality!


Link?

[Reflexx]

www.mcmaster.com

[red85toy]

What size DIE radius have you purchased?

I was looking at the 7" radius for $225 1.75" OD

Has anyone used that die with this bender?

http://www.pro-tools.com/105tdies.htm

[fj40forlife]

Could someone sead me the link where I could get the plans



Thanks,
Eric

[ibarnes]

Could someone sead me the link where I could get the plans



Thanks,
Eric


http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZtrike-pedalerQQhtZ-1QQfrppZ50QQfsopZ1QQfsooZ1QQrdZ0?

[fj40forlife]

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZtrike-pedalerQQhtZ-1QQfrppZ50QQfsopZ1QQfsooZ1QQrdZ0?

Thanks for the link

Have you built one of those benders ?

[ibarnes]

thats the same bender the thread is talking about, I have the plans and gotta find a 'round-to-it'. new marriage / business / home / and baby on the way...... makes me a very busy fawker.

[fj40forlife]

What do you guys think buy the plans and then built it? Or just buy the Model 3 Tubing Bender by JD2 and wish one do you guys think is better :shaking:


Thanks,
Eric.

[Rudezuk]

What stroke of ram are you guys using with this?

When you have to come back to hook onto another hole in the die, is the tubing secure? Or does it flop around?

**EDIT**

I have a electric pump and ram setup from my old JD2. It is a 14" travel ram though.

Im looking at getting a new bender, and space is a little limited in my new shop, and this might fit the bill.

[Jeep Thing1]

Im thinking about getting these plans.But before i do does any body have any pics of there creations. Using this Bender...

[fj40forlife]

About how much money do you guys spent with all the metal?

[Jeep Thing1]

Any Pics of projects with this bender

[bigtoy302]

My first project was a tower for the sled. Next will be my exo for the Toyota.

[82toycrawler]

I am thinking of buying the plans and going this route. Just wondered if anyone had thought about using 5/8 or 3/4" material for the uprights instead of the box tubing? Seems to me if you did you could just purchase all of the pins from pro tools and save a lot of time looking around for something that might work.

How many of you guys are using bend tech software or are you using bendin 101 instead?

Boat tower looks great by the way.

[Joe_88k5]

I am thinking of buying the plans and going this route. Just wondered if anyone had thought about using 5/8 or 3/4" material for the uprights instead of the box tubing? Seems to me if you did you could just purchase all of the pins from pro tools and save a lot of time looking around for something that might work.



I'm thinking about converting my bender to this style, like what your talking about. Instead of making the uprights, I might just weld my existing arms in place. Of course if I mess up, I'm out of a bender entirely until I can make new arms, so I'm still debating it.

Although if someone orders a longer pin from McMaster-Carr and find that it works great, it would be quite nice of them to post the part number here! :D

[toad007]

Anyone get the plans from gottrikes dude recently? Sent him the paypal money on the 6th and still waiting...

[macj98]

Anyone get the plans from gottrikes dude recently? Sent him the paypal money on the 6th and still waiting...

Yeah I sent him money last night. Well see what happens.

[82toycrawler]

I'm thinking about converting my bender to this style, like what your talking about. Instead of making the uprights, I might just weld my existing arms in place. Of course if I mess up, I'm out of a bender entirely until I can make new arms, so I'm still debating it.:D


I have been looking around and found the new guy on e-bay that is selling the bender and die for $ 325 (or something around there ). I was thinking buy his bender and weld it to a stand just like this one. With most dies costing $220 you are only paying an extra $100 and all the holes are exactly where you would need them. Use some scrap steel to make the base - free - and spend $ 100 for an air over hydraulic ram, and you are in business.:D

Just waiting to here more info. on the construction of this guys bender and pricing/interchangeability of his dies and I think this is the way I may go.:)

Let me know if you guys see any problem with this.

[Tgure]

About how much money do you guys spent with all the metal?

I spent $80 in the steel and $40 for the hardened shafts, collars and bolts. I bought the 1.75"x6" 240 degree die from Keith here on the board and bent my first 90 last night to calibrate my software. :D

[TheBandit]

Here is the alternative bottle jack design that uses a one-shot style die. These are free plans.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=436456

http://www.metalwebnews.com/howto/tube-bender/IM000195a.jpg

[born loser]

just a FYI, northerntool sells a double piston ram. Might be a good choice.
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=6970&productId=200305565&R=200305565

they also have air powered rams..

[4whlflop]

I got my plans and I am getting ready to build this. I like the idea of the 3/4" uprights compared to the 2x2. Would this actually be stronger? Maybe a couple of extra gussets. Could you use the pro-tools pins?

[macj98]

Sweet got my plans for this thing today. Has anyone built style B puller arm or is everyone building style A? Also is anyone using the link above for the northern air/hydraulic ram? If so how is the incremental fine adjustment with air power?

[jptbay]

Most of the air powered rams still have a manual hand pump as well. You can make fine adjustments by hand.

[macj98]

Just a note, receieved this a couple days ago and it is a little different than the others pictured. The bottom mount is fixed and pointing the wrong direction

has any one used this ram recently? How well does it work? Any problems??

http://www.uneedtools.com/hydraulics-jacks-c-34_173_323.html

[Reflexx]

has any one used this ram recently? How well does it work? Any problems??

http://www.uneedtools.com/hydraulics-jacks-c-34_173_323.html


That looks just like the one I've got. I had to take off the manual handle to make it fit. Works nice so far.

For a better fit, widen the mounting of the bottom point of the 45 degree 2x2 pieces. It will give you more room for the air cylinder on the hydro jack. Does that make sense to you?

[macj98]

That looks just like the one I've got. I had to take off the manual handle to make it fit. Works nice so far.

For a better fit, widen the mounting of the bottom point of the 45 degree 2x2 pieces. It will give you more room for the air cylinder on the hydro jack. Does that make sense to you?


So did you have to mount it with the manual handle facing in?? What was the fitment issue with the manual handle?

[Reflexx]

FINALLY!

I'm done and took some pics. It's a www.gottrikes.com heavy duty bender with some "customizing" by yours truly. I'm keeping this forever and wanted to get it done right the fisr time.

1. bottom frame "boxed" and added casters to roll it where I want.

2. all holes in the 2x2 tubing filled.

3. added grips to the "thompson shaft" pins.

4. "Bondo'd" all the joints for looks (actually to hide my ugly welds!)

5. welded some threaded shaft for a place to hang extra dies.

6. replaced the manual 8-ton ram with an air/hydro unit mentioned in orior posts. Removed the manual handle (no need anymore)

7. a coat of Hamerrite black for the frame and bright red for the dies.

8. bought a "smartlevel" digital level for perfect bends.

I'm going to add some grip tape to the top of the box frame. I noticed that I was stepping there to take tubing in and out.

The air/hydro takes about 90 seconds to do a 90 degree in 1.5" tube. It sounds like a quiet jackhammer as it pumps and control is very fine. the harder you squeeze the faster it pumps.

10000% satisfied.

[BurntOrange]

FINALLY!

I'm done and took some pics.

10000% satisfied.

Congrats - looks clean and very well thought out. Great job.

I will be incorporating some of your improvements into mine.

[welndmn]

FINALLY!

I'm done and took some pics. It's a www.gottrikes.com heavy duty bender with some "customizing" by yours truly. I'm keeping this forever and wanted to get it done right the fisr time.

1. bottom frame "boxed" and added casters to roll it where I want.

2. all holes in the 2x2 tubing filled.

3. added grips to the "thompson shaft" pins.

4. "Bondo'd" all the joints for looks (actually to hide my ugly welds!)

5. welded some threaded shaft for a place to hang extra dies.

6. replaced the manual 8-ton ram with an air/hydro unit mentioned in orior posts. Removed the manual handle (no need anymore)

7. a coat of Hamerrite black for the frame and bright red for the dies.

8. bought a "smartlevel" digital level for perfect bends.

I'm going to add some grip tape to the top of the box frame. I noticed that I was stepping there to take tubing in and out.

The air/hydro takes about 90 seconds to do a 90 degree in 1.5" tube. It sounds like a quiet jackhammer as it pumps and control is very fine. the harder you squeeze the faster it pumps.

10000% satisfied.
WOW cool, Got the PN's for the air hydro thing (i quickly looked and did not see it) Mine is all done, just needs a ram and die.

[born loser]

WOW cool, Got the PN's for the air hydro thing (i quickly looked and did not see it) Mine is all done, just needs a ram and die.


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/8-TON-AIR-HYDRAULIC-LONG-RAM-JACK-ENGINE-HOIST-REPL_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ63697QQitemZ462214 9528QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

[oldjeep]

Pretty much done. Just need to box in the cutout section and get a couple of bolts. And buy a die ;)

http://www.oldjeep.com/images/Bender/bender%20009.jpg
http://www.oldjeep.com/images/Bender/bender%20008.jpg

[fj40forlife]

Looks nice

[generalee7]

Pretty much done. Just need to box in the cutout section and get a couple of bolts. And buy a die ;)

http://www.oldjeep.com/images/Bender/bender%20009.jpg
http://www.oldjeep.com/images/Bender/bender%20008.jpg

What type of machine did you use to drill all of the holes?

[oldjeep]

What type of machine did you use to drill all of the holes?

Big old Gorton mill - friend of mine has one. He did all the drilling, I just watched ;)

[bigtoy302]

People that have the air over hydraulic ram, how do you like them? I am just using a manual one and it takes to long to complete a 90.

[oldjeep]

The ram is no speed demon, but for home use I think it'll be fine. Finished it up last night. Wheels, return spring and some paint.

http://www.oldjeep.com/images/Bender/bender%20010.jpg

[Todd W]

What stroke of ram are you guys using with this?

When you have to come back to hook onto another hole in the die, is the tubing secure? Or does it flop around?

**EDIT**

I have a electric pump and ram setup from my old JD2. It is a 14" travel ram though.

Im looking at getting a new bender, and space is a little limited in my new shop, and this might fit the bill.


Anyone have answers to shane's questions?

I`m concerned the tube will 'slip' down when moving to the next pin because the downard force of the tube will just pull it down ou tof the die.... does it hold it snug or what?

[oldjeep]

Anyone have answers to shane's questions?

I`m concerned the tube will 'slip' down when moving to the next pin because the downard force of the tube will just pull it down ou tof the die.... does it hold it snug or what?

How would the tube slip down? It would still be sitting on the follower which would keep the die in the same position while you were dropping the arm and re-pinning.

The ram stroke is 19" which is just enough to hit about 95 degrees on mine.

[rockdog57]

Anyone have answers to shane's questions?

I`m concerned the tube will 'slip' down when moving to the next pin because the downard force of the tube will just pull it down ou tof the die.... does it hold it snug or what?
It won't slip down when re pinning. I've built two cages with mine so far. I've got a write up on it on rocky mountain extreme. Search under tube kinker. It's full hydro. I don't know how to link stuff, I'm computer tarded.:(

[jptbay]

Here's the link.

www.rockymountainextreme.com/showthread.php?t=29777&highlight=tube+kinker

[Mudinyeri]

What air pack/pump and PSI are the air over hydraulic guys using?

[welndmn]

I just got my ram today (same as the links here)
This thing is LOUD, it says to run 100-120 PSI in it, but have anyone turned it down to be less noisey.

[flatbelly7]

Where did you get your air over hydraulic OLDJEEP?

[flatbelly7]

Where did you get your air over hydraulic oldjeep?

[Shorts]

Here is the alternative bottle jack design that uses a one-shot style die. These are free plans.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=436456

http://www.metalwebnews.com/howto/tube-bender/IM000195a.jpg


That's the one I was looking at too. This unit doesn't take up a lot of space, which is one thing I really don't have in the garage. Though I saw it on a different metalfab website (zena.net (http://www.zena.net/htdocs/welders/projects.shtml)) and it mentioned about originally coming from Blind Chicken Racing (http://www.blindchickenracing.com/Tools/Tube%20Bender/Tubingbender.htm).

Anyhow, whoever gets credit, get credit. Anyhow, I'm just passing through this thread.

This link (http://favoriteprojects.com/how_to_build_a_tube_bender.htm) has pretty clear plans.

[braxton357]

Anyone have the distances for the die/follower holes for the pt dies/this bender? (not the one-shot)

[Trikepedaler]

First of all, Thanks to all of you that purchased my plans, and supported Takacs Cycles. I spent numerose days designing this bender and I do apreciat your support. I'm amaized with some of this benders you have built and how they came out. I would like permision from the owners of the pictures of the bender and projects to add to my website.
Thanks again guys
Frank Takacs
www.gottrikes.com



http://www.gottrikes.com/Tube_Bender.htm or go to ebay http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZtrike-pedalerQQhtZ-1QQfrppZ50QQfsopZ1QQfsooZ1QQrdZ0?

[Nickm]

FINALLY!

I'm done and took some pics. It's a www.gottrikes.com heavy duty bender with some "customizing" by yours truly. I'm keeping this forever and wanted to get it done right the fisr time.

1. bottom frame "boxed" and added casters to roll it where I want.

2. all holes in the 2x2 tubing filled.

3. added grips to the "thompson shaft" pins.

4. "Bondo'd" all the joints for looks (actually to hide my ugly welds!)

5. welded some threaded shaft for a place to hang extra dies.

6. replaced the manual 8-ton ram with an air/hydro unit mentioned in orior posts. Removed the manual handle (no need anymore)

7. a coat of Hamerrite black for the frame and bright red for the dies.

8. bought a "smartlevel" digital level for perfect bends.

I'm going to add some grip tape to the top of the box frame. I noticed that I was stepping there to take tubing in and out.

The air/hydro takes about 90 seconds to do a 90 degree in 1.5" tube. It sounds like a quiet jackhammer as it pumps and control is very fine. the harder you squeeze the faster it pumps.

10000% satisfied.


Very nice work. great attention to detail.

[TANNERJENNINGS24]

For the pins why not use some tractor pins from tractor supply or any farm supply store.

[kryan]

Allright,
Now that everybody has done all the work, who wants to let me borrow thiers.:D I need to build a cage, but don't want to buy or build the tube bender for one project. I am willing to rent it.
Also I can get alot of "pipe" not tube for a great price if anybody is interested. 1.35 per foot pick up only or local delivery near sac for a small fee.
1-1/2" steel A53 grade-B steel pipe 1.90 od .145wall 2.718lbs per foot.

Pm me if interested

[k5chevyblazer]

I just got my ram today (same as the links here)
This thing is LOUD, it says to run 100-120 PSI in it, but have anyone turned it down to be less noisey.
have you used it at all yet, or did you just use Todds? I guess I need to put mine together soon.

[sentricity]

Anyone have one of these benders they would like to sell? I just don't have the time to get all the parts and build the thing.

[RedFJ]

I just converted my Pro tools to the gottrikes style with a similar air/hydro ram listed above. It worked great all weekend. The only thing to remember is that you are bending everything up into the air, nice to have a second set of hands and plenty of shop height. I also made my base 5' long, very stable and can support a 10' foot piece of tube and not tilt/flip over.
Jim

[sentricity]

Anyone have one of these benders they would like to sell? I just don't have the time to get all the parts and build the thing.
Anyone? Bueller...Bueller?

[eblick]

I have seen them on Ebay for about $1000.00

[Rudezuk]

I did build one of these for my new bender... I had a ram and electric power unit from JD2 from my old Model 3 i had.

Well, it works great! I made some tweaks with it, and used 3/4" material for the arms...and works perfect, very easy to use. Depending on the die, I can get 60-70* of bend with one stroke of the ram. I still need to paint it, but ill get some pics of the unit, and some work I just did this last weekend with it.

This last weekend, I built a full YJ cage a full Zuk cage and a tube front bumper for a toyota in 2 days with it.....It works pretty good and im happy with it :D

EDIT...I forgot to add, I have bent 1.75" .250 DOM material with this, no problem at all :D

[jptbay]

Picked up an 8 ton air/hydro long ram at Northern Tool last week for my gottrikes bender.

There were several instore marked clearance. $72.00 :grinpimp:

This was in Duluth, Mn. Not sure of stock at other locations or online, but might be worth checking out.

Edit- part # 144310 - Checked online says no longer available, so check your local store.

John.

[Rudezuk]

Here are a couple of pics of the bender.. ITs dirty and greasy from using it all weekend...lol

http://hbrk4x4.com/albums/userpics/10001/Resize%20of%20DSCF2478.JPG

http://hbrk4x4.com/albums/userpics/10001/Resize%20of%20DSCF2479.JPG


And some pics of what i did with it over the weekend.

http://hbrk4x4.com/albums/userpics/10001/Resize%20of%20DSCF2473.JPG

http://hbrk4x4.com/albums/userpics/10001/Resize%20of%20DSCF2475.JPG

http://hbrk4x4.com/albums/userpics/10001/Resize%20of%20DSCF2467.JPG

http://hbrk4x4.com/albums/userpics/10001/Resize%20of%20DSCF2468.JPG

http://hbrk4x4.com/albums/userpics/10001/Resize%20of%20DSCF2469.JPG

http://hbrk4x4.com/albums/userpics/10001/Resize%20of%20DSCF2470.JPG

http://hbrk4x4.com/albums/userpics/10001/Resize%20of%20DSCF2471.JPG


There was more, but this is all i have pics of right now..

[Reflexx]

Rude,

Nice work! I have barely touched my bender, but it's nice to know what it's capable of!!!

[YJ-Mike]

So what diameter die is generally used for bending up grill hoops, winch hoops, etc? I am in the process of building this bender, just ordered the 8-ton air-over-hydro from HF, and the shafts and collars from McMaster-Carr. I see on Pro-tools website that they have 4.5, 5, 6, & 7" diameter dies for 1.5" tubing, and I was just wondering what everyone generally uses.

Thanks,

Mike

[BRAD D]

I just got the plans as well. Can't wait:D

[YJ-Mike]

I got the plans a couple of weeks ago, but I just got around to going to the steel yard on Monday. Dropped off the 5/8" bar stock to a machinist to get the puller arms and a couple of other pieces milled. I don't have a drill press and don't want to hack this up.

Anyone have an answer on my question above concerning bend radius?

Thanks,

Mike

[BRAD D]

Im going to do up all the plates on AutoCAD and then get them laser or water cut. Just a bit under sized on the holes, then I will ream them out on a drill press.:p

[3CZUKI]

just figured id get this back on the first page to see if anyone has built another one or made some adjustments to their plans.

[rockdog57]

just figured id get this back on the first page to see if anyone has built another one or made some adjustments to their plans.
I built the one got trikes has on his site that he pictures with the heading "some like to build awesome". I didn't make up the quote, he did. Anyway, I kinda did a write up on it on rme, under the heading of "tube kinker" It might give you some info if you are thinking of going full hydro with this like I did.

[NIB-98TJ]

I ordered my plans today on Ebay from http://www.gottrikes.com/.

It took all of about 45 mintues for them to arrive via email. At first look, the plans appear to be much better and more complete than I expected. Best 18 bucks I ever spent. :smokin:

Is this the air over hydraulic ram to use: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94562

Thanks to all that have contributed to this thread.

NIB

[oldjeep]

Is this the air over hydraulic ram to use: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94562
NIB

Nope, that one is a pain - same layout as the one I bought. You want one with removable mounting foot. The one you linked to has a fixed lower mounting point that is 90 degrees off of where you need it to be.

BTW - finally bought a die for mine, showed up yesterday. Now I just need some tube.

[NIB-98TJ]

This one? http://www.uneedtools.com/airhydraulic-long-jack-p-1762.html

[oldjeep]

Nope that's the same as the other one you posted. Bottom foot still facing wrong way. Not that you can't make it work - I had already bought mine when i realized that I screwed up, so I cut off the brackets and welded them back on.

[NIB-98TJ]

I guess I will go with this ram. http://www.mcsdepot.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2843

NIB

[BRAD D]

I guess I will go with this ram. http://www.mcsdepot.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2843

NIB

That looks like the right one, if not you can just make a bottom mount that bolts up.

[NIB-98TJ]

Well, it looks like that ram is no longer available even though the ad is still floating around the Internet.

I'm going to order this one instead. It has a flat bottom and I will just make a bottom mounting bracket for it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/8-Ton-Air-Hydraulic-Long-Ram-Jack-Flat-Type-Base_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ63697QQihZ017QQite mZ270037662379

NIB

[BRAD D]

Well, it looks like that ram is no longer available even though the ad is still floating around the Internet.

I'm going to order this one instead. It has a flat bottom and I will just make a bottom mounting bracket for it.

NIB


Bolt it on or weld it on?? I dont see any bolt holes...

[BRAD D]

It would be nice to use one of these

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0002T5V4E/nextag-tools-20/ref=nosim

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000BMEO9A/nextag-tools-20/ref=nosim

[YJ-Mike]

Here is the one recommended by the builder in his plans - Harbor Freight item # 36396-OVGA:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=36396

Why is this one not right?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94562

The specs are pretty close to the same, so this is the one I am going with.

Mike

[YJ-Mike]

Nope, that one is a pain - same layout as the one I bought. You want one with removable mounting foot. The one you linked to has a fixed lower mounting point that is 90 degrees off of where you need it to be.

BTW - finally bought a die for mine, showed up yesterday. Now I just need some tube.

Can you explain what you mean by 90* off? When I look at pictures of this one and the 3-ton recommended by the designer, the foot is in the same orientation in relation to the pump handle. If needed you can always rotate the jack shaft.

[oldjeep]

Can you explain what you mean by 90* off? When I look at pictures of this one and the 3-ton recommended by the designer, the foot is in the same orientation in relation to the pump handle. If needed you can always rotate the jack shaft.


The difference is, the one he recommends is not air/hydro. You mount that one with the jack handle facing sideways. The air/hydro jack has a big air cylinder in the back which means that you have to mount the jack with the handle facing forward. Because of that, the mounting foot needs to be rotated 90 degrees .

[NIB-98TJ]

Bolt it on or weld it on?? I dont see any bolt holes...

From the photo, its hard to see, but there may already be 4 holes drilled thru the jack base. If not, I will drill them, Since the jack and the bracket I bolt to the bottom will be in compression, the bolts can be rather small (1/4") as they will carry very little load.

NIB

[BRAD D]

Here is the one recommended by the builder in his plans - Harbor Freight item # 36396-OVGA:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=36396

Why is this one not right?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94562

The specs are pretty close to the same, so this is the one I am going with.

Mike


you could adjust the frame to fit it...

[NIB-98TJ]

you could adjust the frame to fit it...

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94562

Still would have to cut off the bottom ears and rotate them 90 degrees.

One of the photo's of the built benders (Gordon Langley's) on the Got_Trikes web page appears to have air/hydraulic ram with the bottom mount atached with one center bolt which allows the bottoms ears to be rotated. Wish I could find that one.

NIB

[BRAD D]

did up the plates on AutoCAD, so I can get them water cut. The holes are .015" under sized so I can just ream them out with a drill press.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f43/leyanh/ScreenShot005.jpg

[NIB-98TJ]

did up the plates on AutoCAD, so I can get them water cut. The holes are .015" under sized so I can just ream them out with a drill press.
I wish I knew someone around here that could do that for me. I think I'm going to get my sister-in-laws husband to drill mine on his mill.

Are you going with the Type B spacers? I think I will.

NIB

[BRAD D]

I wish I knew someone around here that could do that for me. I think I'm going to get my sister-in-laws husband to drill mine on his mill.

Are you going with the Type B spacers? I think I will.

NIB


If I had a lathe I would... but I dont:D So I will try the one with out the spacers.

[oldjeep]

If I had a lathe I would... but I dont:D So I will try the one with out the spacers.

The gottrikes guy sells them for $5 a piece. Well worth the $$

[NIB-98TJ]

The gottrikes guy sells them for $5 a piece. Well worth the $$
His web page says that they are currently not available from him, but he will post a note when they are.

I can make them on my mini-lathe, but for $5, I would rather just buy them.

NIB

[anvil]

Starting to collect material for my bender. Are the arms made from 5/8 hot roll or cold roll? Thanks

[Jorge Meza]

Definetly i will start on this one!

[Mechanos]

The difference is, the one he recommends is not air/hydro. You mount that one with the jack handle facing sideways. The air/hydro jack has a big air cylinder in the back which means that you have to mount the jack with the handle facing forward. Because of that, the mounting foot needs to be rotated 90 degrees .
Potentially silly question: Does the air cylinder have to be mounted to the base as it comes from Harbor Freight? Can the air cylinder simply be removed, remote mounted and plumbed back to the jack base with some high pressure hose?

[BRAD D]

Potentially silly question: Does the air cylinder have to be mounted to the base as it comes from Harbor Freight? Can the air cylinder simply be removed, remote mounted and plumbed back to the jack base with some high pressure hose?


good question

[oldjeep]

Potentially silly question: Does the air cylinder have to be mounted to the base as it comes from Harbor Freight? Can the air cylinder simply be removed, remote mounted and plumbed back to the jack base with some high pressure hose?

It could be, but that wouldn't gain you anything because the base would still be sticking out the same amount.

[Mechanos]

It could be, but that wouldn't gain you anything because the base would still be sticking out the same amount.
That depend on the design :p I was trying to address the issue of the mounting tangs on the bottom of the cylinder being the "wrong way".

[Mechanos]

OK, next potentially stupid question: Will the dies for a Pro-Tools bender work in a JD2 Model 3?

[NIB-98TJ]

I'm going to build the thing. Bought the plans fron just_trikes and have begun gathering up materials and tools. I still haven't figured out exactly which air/hydraulic 8-ton ram I'm going to use.

NIB

[Brad]

still got like 3 pairs of the B style spacers. Machined to the thousandth so they are a tight fit in the holes(heat on arms or cold on spacers to get them in.)
5 each plus shipping. Figure 5 bux USPS max

[anvil]

Brad what's the cost for 1 pair shipped?

[guidolyons]

OK, next potentially stupid question: Will the dies for a Pro-Tools bender work in a JD2 Model 3?

nope

[NIB-98TJ]

Brad what's the cost for 1 pair shipped to 84041?
$15.

[BRAD D]

still got like 3 pairs of the B style spacers. Machined to the thousandth so they are a tight fit in the holes(heat on arms or cold on spacers to get them in.)
5 each plus shipping. Figure 5 bux USPS max

Do you take paypal?

[Brad]

Yes I take Paypal. Cost is 15 shipped for a set. PM me for paypal addy.

[Mechanos]

Here's my solution to the base mount on the HF air/hydro ram being 90° off. Measuring it, I found the the tangs on the base of the jack are 2" wide and their outside spacing is 2". A piece of 2" receiver hitch tube fits over the tangs perfectly. A 5/8" bolt secures the piece to base of the jack and another 5/8 pin is used as the new pivot in the correct orientation. I had piece of 7/8" x 1.20 wall DOM in my scrap box, so I sleeved the hole for the new pivot pin for added strength.

The adapter does add 2.25" to the overall distance between pivots on the jack, so that has to be taken into consideration when mounting the jack. It could probably be shortened up by about 3/4" or maybe even a inch, but the 2.25" dimension worked for my particular needs (my setup is not the same as the "got trikes" bender).

[BRAD D]

Not a bad idea, Im just going to get the one where thebottom plate unbolts off... I will make a new plate with tabs out laser cut plate.

[fj40forlife]

I could get the program in autocad but I just dont know anyone with a water jet or anything

[Mechanos]

I could get the program in autocad but I just dont know anyone with a water jet or anything
Look in the phone book and call some local fab shops.

[kortam]

Finished mine a motnh or so ago and finally got to bend some stuff for my rig, all testing was done on friends stuff lol.

Ended up using one of the air/hydro cylinders linked earlier in the thread, found many wholesalers on ebay selling them at decent prices, had to buy 2 because the first one didn't work out of box. Notched my angled support on the one side to keep the manual pump handle setup in case I ever borrow the cylinder for something else. Also my model cylinder had the removable base so I just cut my own plate torched out the center of the original and welded up it up to get the unit mounted up 90 degrees from stock config.

Having seen a little horizontal bender use I absolutely love using this thing. Leveling is practically gravity controlled when doing single planar bends.

I did run into problems but they had more to do with the die than anything else. Has anyone made their own tube holddown strap to replace the U shaped junk that comes with each die? When bending a very curvy piece for my t-case doubler crossmember I couldn't pull my bends as close as I wanted to each other because the wide flatness I would kinda say of the strap prevented my free clamping the tube in when I already had a bend in front of where I was making the next. Am i expecting too much from an inexpensive bender to be able to have bends flow from one directly into another? I have some ideas floating around in my head for a two piece tube holder that is adjustable, hopefully it will help with this problem and others I foresee running into with some complex multi-planar bends.

[BRAD D]

This thing must be a ton... Just need to get the water cut parts and I should be good to go. This was a work out for my SD180 TIG (1/4" wall)

The wife had the camera on B&W..

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f43/leyanh/dscn1551.jpg

[Mechanos]

OK... the bender itself is not homemade, it's a JD² Model 3. I just built a air/hydro base to mount the Model 3 on.

First full stroke nets about 65°:
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=270029&stc=1&d=1162173886

Die repinned and a 90° bend completed:
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=270030&stc=1&d=1162173886

Now, I need to break it all down, clean it up and squirt some paint on it. It's no speed demon, but it's a hell of a lot easier than pulling the handle manually, and I didn't have anywere to mount the manual bender anyway.

[BRAD D]

Now, I need to break it all down, clean it up and squirt some paint on it. It's no speed demon, but it's a hell of a lot easier than pulling the handle manually, and I didn't have anywere to mount the manual bender anyway.

Hey where did you get that jack.. or did you make that mount?

[Mechanos]

Hey where did you get that jack.. or did you make that mount?
Harbor Freight.... look at post #221 in this thread for the pivot adapter thingy I made for it.

[k5chevyblazer]

What dies are people using? I need to get 3 of them, 1.5", 1.75" and 2"

[YJ-Mike]

What dies are people using? I need to get 3 of them, 1.5", 1.75" and 2"

I have the 1.5x5"dia 240 degree die on order from P-T. I am still waiting on a machinist at work to finish milling the arms and the uprights so that I can build the thing.

[k5chevyblazer]

I have the 1.5x5"dia 240 degree die on order from P-T. I am still waiting on a machinist at work to finish milling the arms and the uprights so that I can build the thing.
Thanks, Are you having these parts milled too? Seems I missed out when my group made them.

Detail I - 5/8"x2.5"x2" with holes
Detail J - 5/8"x2.5"x2" with holes
Detail K - 5/8"x2.5"x3" no holes

[YJ-Mike]

Thanks, Are you having these parts milled too? Seems I missed out when my group made them.

Detail I - 5/8"x2.5"x2" with holes
Detail J - 5/8"x2.5"x2" with holes
Detail K - 5/8"x2.5"x3" no holes

Yup,

The guy is milling the puller arms, the uprights, and the pieces mentioned above. Sometimes working at a Nuke plant has its advantages, such as a couple of amazingly well stocked machine shops.

[k5chevyblazer]

Yup,

The guy is milling the puller arms, the uprights, and the pieces mentioned above. Sometimes working at a Nuke plant has its advantages, such as a couple of amazingly well stocked machine shops.
think I could tag onto yours with those parts I am missing?

[YJ-Mike]

think I could tag onto yours with those parts I am missing?

No, Sorry. The machinist finished up my pieces the other day, and he was getting some strange looks from his supervisor. He told me that he can't do any more projects for me for awhile.

[k5chevyblazer]

No, Sorry. The machinist finished up my pieces the other day, and he was getting some strange looks from his supervisor. He told me that he can't do any more projects for me for awhile.
oh well. I am sure I can have some cut, thanks though

[YJ-Mike]

I got the base welded up today, and the HF 8-ton air/hydro arrived as well. I do need to come up with something to fix the mounting tangs being 90 degrees out. Hopefully the die will show up from P-T this week, as I would like to be bending tubing this weekend.

[YellowJeep39157]

Hey if anyone is interested in building one and selling me one, PM me ....Please I am willing to pay, I just dont have the time or know how to build it.......

[BRAD D]

Pretty much done, just need a few bolts and I think i will cap all the open tube ends... Oh and a shot of paint..but what color?? :)

Here it is with a 1.75" 6" CLR pro tools die.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f43/leyanh/woodtick/DSCN1696.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f43/leyanh/woodtick/DSCN1697.jpg

[vegask]

Looks good Brad. Would you be willing to share that cad file for the arms? I think I found a shop in town that could probably make me a set.

[BRAD D]

Looks good Brad. Would you be willing to share that cad file for the arms? I think I found a shop in town that could probably make me a set.


Yeah just PM me your email, They are adjusted to use this ram.

[NIB-98TJ]

http://www.fototime.com/7BA3C4E5CD16323/standard.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/770665C50009B9D/standard.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/6382F57EFC2C998/standard.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/B3A787440C62F6B/standard.jpg

Got a Harbor Freight sale flyer yesterday with the 8-ton air/hydraulic ram for $69 plus a 15% off coupon on the back of the flyer. So, I picked one up for $58. I have rounded up most of the steel; I guess I need to get started on it.

NIB

[NIB-98TJ]

http://www.fototime.com/79FC51CC492F2F4/standard.jpg
I'm slow but I'm getting there.
NIB

[FoxinBox]

Just a thought, but if you really want to do this on a hard hard budget, make the base and everything as is shown but instead of using protools die, use the HF dies and modify them slightly with a clamp. Have a full range of dies for under 100 bucks, though none of them would be over 110* bend i think... but budget is budget....

[BRAD D]

Just a thought, but if you really want to do this on a hard hard budget, make the base and everything as is shown but instead of using protools die, use the HF dies and modify them slightly with a clamp. Have a full range of dies for under 100 bucks, though none of them would be over 110* bend i think... but budget is budget....


got a link to the dies?

[vegask]

I thought the HF dies were for pipe and kink dom like crazy. Post a link cause I am curious. I'm kinda surprised that nobody is selling pro-tools knock off dies or china made ones.

[FoxinBox]

Well I think thats a big ass rumor going around here by the people who have Protools stuff. Because I have been using my HF bender for smaller projects where I dont wanna go to friends house to break out his bender... and infact the only thing I can get mine to bend is structure test HREW and DOM. It wont even come close to a 45* bend on normal schdl 40 or 80 without a horrible kink. Hell I made my stinger with it and thats something like a 160* bend and theres no KINK, but there is compression in the pipe. I figure for a$67 bender that comes with 8 dies its not a bad deal. I just wouldnt try real thin walled stuff on it... ie .120 wall, but .188 would be fine.

[FoxinBox]

also, vegask... its the actual nature of the HF bender that kinks the pipes... not the dies.

[BRAD D]

HF presses the pipe where as the protools rolls with it right?

[FoxinBox]

correct.