Looks like JD2 has decided the copycat competition is starting to hurt their business. These new notchers are looking pretty sweet (and priced right too). I would guess that if they can actually get these things out to customers in a timely manner that nice JMR notcher is going to have a drastic price reduction. There's some cool video on the JD2 website for the first notcher but nothing on the "Beast" yet.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=010&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=200038078799&rd=1&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200038208004&fromMakeTrack=true

that's hot. anyone want to buy a pro tools notcher :D

There was a discussion about JD2's new notchers (http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=508884) a few weeks ago. They kick ass.

Oh thats a good deal... I think I'll pick the 250$ one up.

Is there any kind of degree ring or any way to accuratly measure your angles? Also, what keeps the hole saw from pivoting while drilling? All I see is 1 bolt (the pivot).

Yeah, there are degree markings at 2-degree intervals between 0 and 50-degrees. Tightening the pivot bolt is all that's necessary to keep the notcher from slipping while you're drilling. The JMR notcher works exactly the same way.

I have a pro-tools notcher that won't notch bent tube...spend the extra $$$ and get the one that will. You'll be happy you did.

Actually, notching bent tubing is one thing that is difficult to do with any type of hole-saw notcher. JD2's new BEAST is capable of notching on bends, but only in certain directions. The only type of notcher that will allow you to notch complicated shapes in bent tubing is a belt-sander type notcher. I just use an angle grinder.

Ive always used a sawzall and a grinder. They work great, will notch bent tubing, and chances are you already have them.