First off....yes I did use the "search" button several times. So my brother (Big Tree) and I were talking and we are thinking about going in on a tubing bender. I have looked at both the JD2 site and the Pro Tools site.

I'm trying to figure out if the price difference between the JD2 Model 3 and Model 4 justifys the cost difference. We are going to go hydrolic either way. I like the features of the Model 4 but there is a substantial cost difference. I'm also thinking that if I went with a Model 3 set up and sometime down the road decided that I wanted to go with a Model 4 I could sell the Model 3 without loosing too much money. Since they use the same dies there is no issues there.

I was hoping to hear from some owners and users. Thanks in advance for the input.

Hey before you buy a bender check this portable bad boy out. Its what i am getting for BCB and have spoken with the owner designer many times. Nice guy and takes the time to talk with you without wotrrying about a sale. Good customer service if ya ask me.

www.tubeshark.com

Fleckster

that Tubeshark looks alright, however it looks as if the dies are about twice what the JD2 dies cost and I wouldn't spend that much on a tool just work on my hobby.:)

True for the hobbies thats a bit o Cash, but someone like me with a business that will be doing shit loads of rollbars and such... I do like the portable part of it. Corse then all your buddies want to borrow it. Oh well...Hey wonder if the Blonde comes with the shark. Oh she is the tube shark:D

Fleckster

Nice chassis on that shark!! :D

has anybody on this board used the tubeshark??

I have a JDmodel #4 and LOVE IT !!!! BTW

Probably not a bad idea to go initially with the model three. As you figured out, you could resell it if you decide to go with the model four.

Check to make sure the hydraulic ram will work with both model three and four (if you need to sell your model three, you could make up a bender bar... easier to sell without the cost of the hydraulic set up). :D

When I ordered my dies for the model four (1", 1.5" and 2"), I was told the 5% discount for three dies only applied to a model three dies. :(

A quick call to JD2 confirmed model three dies can be used in a model four bender with a slight modification & additional pressure die purchase.

Nice thing about a hydraulic bender, mounting on casters is possible, and you can move it out of the way when not in use.

Chucked up some 6061-T6 Aluminum in the lathe, so I can make a custom 3" die for a project. Lots more room with a model four for larger dies. Dies are only for a few bends in thin wall stuff (turbo to intercooler) so aluminum is fine.

Tom :usa:

I have the model 4 and it is awesome. I have used a model 3 before and the model 4 is by far a much nicer unit. The big degree ring on the 4 makes it very nice to easily duplicate bends.

I dont remember pricing but I didn't think the model 3 + hydro setup was that much cheaper than the 4.

CJ

I just bought a Model 3.. it was cheap (er)!

I haven't finished mounting it up, or making the adapter for my PortaPower to run it (I did get the JD2 Hydro mount kit, but my porta-power needs a different end-adapter to the bender)..

But my one complaint while window-shopping is the Model 3 will only bend 2" tubing.

I *really* wanted something that would do 2.25" or 2.5" for exhaust work.. but not badly enough to spend the extra coin on the Model 4 just yet.

Not that I enjoy doing exhaust work anyhow..

As for upgrading from the 3 to a 4.. doesn't the website say they'll buy back your Model 3 when you upgrade to a 4?

Sounds like the only thing you'd be out is some freight...

Our bender was the Mod3 with no hydro on it, but it your doing a lot of tube you might want to go with a even better machine. We like our Ercolina TB60 that we bought from M-Tech.

:eek: :eek: :eek:

that way too cool!!:eek: :D

Originally posted by fatkid
I wouldn't spend that much on a tool just work on my hobby.:)

I would sell internal organs to pay for my wheeling habit
:D