whats the next step up from a model 3 bender?

[71RCKCRZR RYAN]

i know its been talked about before but not in the forum

so...????????

is it just ease of puting the tubing in the bender from the top....instead of sliding it in. seams like a time saver to me....but?????

has anybody thought of using the jd2 dies and making a base and have the main die rotate from below....just like the high $$$ benders but for a lot less???? hmmmmmmmmmm what would it take....???

[camo]

the next step up from the hossfield die type benders would be something like this http://www.ercolina-usa.com/

i have used them on a few occasions and for one off fabbing they are overkill. they really are geared more for production work. i have seen a few on ebay go for around 5 to 6 k. retail starts around 10k

[71RCKCRZR RYAN]

http://www.ercolina-usa.com/megabender.htm

what about making a jd2 m3 into something like this one?????

add a little grainger, a dash of northern tools, and walla...

[camo]

i have never seen it done but don't let that stop you. think it through and build one.

[Trick-Tools.com]

There is another step in between, check out the Mittler 2500 machine: http://www.vansantent.com/tube_bendi...500_bender.htm

Its a nice machine for much less than the programable units!