First I want to say that I sent a PM to Fatty and Tin Bender but I am running out of time on the deal. I read somewhere on here (did search) once about a difference. I've come across a 12 ton hydraulic PIPE bender capable of bending Pipe up to 2 inches. It is new and the price is 50.00. Is there a difference between a pipe and tube bender? Will I be wasting my money on this? Sorry fatty and tin bender, I'm desperate for an answer as time is running out.

Oh this thing is a floor mount or verticle mount bender. It is not a hand bender, it's hydraulic. has a hand like a floor jack on it to make the bends.

Some people have had luck with pipe benders, I didnt, I've tried on several occasions making practice bends with my pipe bender with every one coming out like crap, even when trying the piece of metal "trick". So I said to hell with it and spent the money on a tube bender. Every bend looked great, with no dimples and corners staying round, not ovaling.

Pipe ways about twice as much as tube so there is a huge advantage alone. But if you want to bend pipe, get the tube bender and pipe dies.

Anyone have a pic of a tube bender so that I can see the difference?:confused:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/bendin_tube/index.html
3rd pic down

This topic has been beat to death in the General 4x4 section.

I mention this not to be snotty but to point out that there is some really excellent info to be _quickly_ found over there if you do the search. There were a number of really good threads on it.

If it was me - save the $50 to go towards a die for you TUBE bender.

HTH

r@m

How's that go:

What are you building, a mobile home??? Tube that Fawker :D:D:D.

Thanks guys, sometimes I forget that there is another section on the POR besides Suzuki. I rarely venture off of this page. Guess I'll get the TUBE bender when I get back from Peru. :D

Damn newbies! (that would be me)

Thanks! :beer:

Even if you can get a pipe bender to give you decent results, it's still pretty limited. The Harbor Freight type can't make too large of a bend (don't they limit at about 45*)?

Go with a JD2 model 3 and whichever dies you need. One thing though... go with the 180* dies instead of the 90* dies. It's more versatile and the price difference isn't enough to not have that ability.

The article that Rob (Tin Bender) wrote that DougO posted a link to is also an excellent starter for learning to bend.

pro-tools one shot hydro bender looks pretty bad ass too.