Best tube bender

[2003_ram]

What is it? Looking for a good reliable one, prefer electric. Any brands I should be looking at? I think for my price range (under $1000) I can't afford anything but a non-electric. Also any "teaching" you guys can give me in the world of tube benders world be great. I looked at a few and it looked like you have to buy they die for the different tube sizes, which the ones I looked at were around $350 for a die.

Sorry for sounding like an idiot but I know ziltch about tube benders.:homer:

[Flatline's Up!]

the best tubing bender is the one you talk your buddy into buying and you supply the tubing and beer and let him do all the work...

[peewee]

I hate to say this, but "SEARCH" like everyone else has to do.. This subject has been talked about adnauseum.:shaking:

[2slo4u]

http://www.jd2.com/

I've got the model 4 and dig it.

[2003_ram]

http://www.jd2.com/

I've got the model 4 and dig it.

If you don't mind me asking, how much did that run you out the door?

[2slo4u]

If you don't mind me asking, how much did that run you out the door?

bought it 6-8 years ago, paid around $2800 with 5 die sets and the air operated hydralic pump.

[Mudinyeri]

For under $1000? You can easily spend that on dies, alone. You can get a decently set-up Pro Tools 105, with one die, for $750, but that's a manual bender. Unless you make it yourself, you won't find a quality electrical/hydraulic bender for under $1000.

[BAILEIGH INC.]

What size tube are you going to be bending?

[2slo4u]

I've got friends using the JD2 model 3 and its a nice bender. one of the guys added a HF ram to his model 3. Mudinyeri is right, dies are where you spend the dough, I've got six and wish I had a few more. :homer:

[2003_ram]

What size tube are you going to be bending?

Mostly roll cage type stuff and axle truss type stuff. Probably 1.5" to 2".


So, looks like I'm pretty much stuck with going with a manual bender. So new question, these hard to use? Or pretty easy in means of getting the tube to bend?

EDIT: Damn, looks like I'll be at least $500 in dies.

[crazybluerider]

Manual benders are a work out but not that bad to use. If you are not bending tube everyday for a living its really not that big of a deal. I love my JD2 model 3 but it can get a little tiring after bending up an entire cage. But for how much I use it the price is right.

[Mudinyeri]

Get the long handle. It's not that bad bending manually.

[2003_ram]

Okay will do then, think I'll get the JD2 model 3, a few dies, and good to go. Thanks for the help guys.

[Panthers65]

I've probably got just under $1000 in mine, JD2 Bender, 1 die set, and the Copperhead Fab AIr/Hydro conversion. Nothing like the JD2 Model 4 I use to have at work, but a good bender non-the-less...

[guidolyons]

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=734642&highlight=pro+bender

or check out trick-tools for traditional JD2 bender

[ToddRH]

I have a JD2 bender stand that bolts down for $75 shipped. I'll give you the handle I have for free. Send a pm if intrested.

Also, try Medford tools for the bender/dies.

[Ian from Xtreme]

I have the Pro Tools 105 with an air/hydraulic conversion from Copperhead fab and I like it.

[406 YJ]

I have the Pro Tools 105 with an air/hydraulic conversion from Copperhead fab and I like it.

Dude.......you have the mack daddy Shark bender and notcher......I drool every time you guys use it:flipoff2:

I will send you 5 more of those from James at Copperheadfab and you put my shark bender you have been using on a skid for me :D

[2003_ram]

Well good news is my garage is coming together, so I will be buying one. If anything my CJ could use a light hoop on the bumper. :D

JD2 is where I am going I think, looks like it will be in budget and people like it.

Thanks again.

[uglyscout]

Dude.......you have the mack daddy Shark bender and notcher......I drool every time you guys use it:flipoff2:

I will send you 5 more of those from James at Copperheadfab and you put my shark bender you have been using on a skid for me :D

You mean the Shark Pool.

One for sale on my local CL: ONly asking $5000 :smokin:

http://corvallis.craigslist.org/tls/1156778900.html

[BAILEIGH INC.]

You mean the Shark Pool.

One for sale on my local CL: ONly asking $5000 :smokin:

http://corvallis.craigslist.org/tls/1156778900.html

Tube Shark?

[SirMrManGuy]

Tube Shark?
I'm assuming that's what he means, since its what Ian uses on TV. Unless that CL add had something else on it...

[uglyscout]

Tube Shark?

The guy was selling a Tube Shark - Shark Pool. Retail is $7,000.


http://www.tubeshark.com/images/SharkPool72ppi_big.jpg

[DRM]

What is it? Looking for a good reliable one, prefer electric. Any brands I should be looking at? I think for my price range (under $1000) I can't afford anything but a non-electric. Also any "teaching" you guys can give me in the world of tube benders world be great. I looked at a few and it looked like you have to buy they die for the different tube sizes, which the ones I looked at were around $350 for a die.

Sorry for sounding like an idiot but I know ziltch about tube benders.:homer:

That said - the 'best" IMHO has more to do with how much you intend to use it.

A TubeShark is sweet - but what a HUGE waste of money if you bend up one cage and it collects dust.

IMHO - for the guy just starting out, either a manual bender (JD2, etc.) or I really like the www.probender.com benders for being cost effective AND being air over hydro.

But hey - if you want to drop tons of cash without having a clue first - who am I to stop you :p

[mingoglia]

I read on another forum that Ian is unable to use the show's shop for personal projects so like the rest of us he has a shop at the house. Sounds like the shop at the house is similar to what the rest of our shops have in it. After all, like was said, no sense having a $7k bender if you're only bending some tube for yourself or an occasional friend. Me, I'm married so I have no friends.

Dude.......you have the mack daddy Shark bender and notcher......I drool every time you guys use it:flipoff2:

I will send you 5 more of those from James at Copperheadfab and you put my shark bender you have been using on a skid for me :D

[BAILEIGH INC.]

I read on another forum that Ian is unable to use the show's shop for personal projects so like the rest of us he has a shop at the house. Sounds like the shop at the house is similar to what the rest of our shops have in it. After all, like was said, no sense having a $7k bender if you're only bending some tube for yourself or an occasional friend. Me, I'm married so I have no friends.



This is true