Tube Benders

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I am about to pull the trigger on a Tube BenderThe front runners are JD2 and Pro Tools.I respect the opinon and experience on this forum, I would like to know your pro's/con's before I press aheadThank YouGeezerPower Mig 255C185 TIGBlue 175 MIGRanger 8 Kohler 20HP1974 5K Lincoln/Wisconsin Powered (Cherry)Victor/Harris O/AK 487 Spool Gun
Reply:I don't have either.  I know the JD2 is very popular.  I see them for sale used sometimes and I have seen used dies for sale for them too.  I've never seen a Pro Tools one for sale used.  There are a few people I know who have the JD2's.   I would be inclined to go with a used JD2 for reasons of cost/availability/popularity, also the ability to get used dies for it in the future and save some money on die upgrades.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Those JD2 benders are awesome!  What model are you looking at?Esab TradeMaster TorchSmith AW1A Airline TorchLincoln AC/DC 225/125Millermatic 252 w/ Spoolmatic 15aThermal Arc 190 GTSSpeedGlas 9100v
Reply:I have a JD2 model3 that is elctric/hydraulic conversion. Have had it for several years. Love it.If you are looking for used units, check over on pirate4x4.com and you will see a lot of units for sale as well as dies.For information on benders in general, offroadfabnet.com is a great site. Their "Bender" section can answer any question about benders as they have doen side by side comparisons between several units.Granthttp://jackalopefab.com/MM210Synchrowave 200DXMiller XMT350 w/60series feederMiller Bobcat 250 with SGA 100 and spoolgunHTP PlasmaFull Machine shop with everything
Reply:Originally Posted by DesertRider33I don't have either.  I know the JD2 is very popular.  I see them for sale used sometimes and I have seen used dies for sale for them too.  I've never seen a Pro Tools one for sale used.  There are a few people I know who have the JD2's.   I would be inclined to go with a used JD2 for reasons of cost/availability/popularity, also the ability to get used dies for it in the future and save some money on die upgrades.
Reply:Originally Posted by PilotDanThose JD2 benders are awesome!  What model are you looking at?
Reply:I also did a write-up for offroadfabnet, back in 2005 maybe, of the conversion to electric/hydraulic if you are interested.Granthttp://jackalopefab.com/MM210Synchrowave 200DXMiller XMT350 w/60series feederMiller Bobcat 250 with SGA 100 and spoolgunHTP PlasmaFull Machine shop with everything
Reply:Originally Posted by jackalopeI have a JD2 model3 that is elctric/hydraulic conversion. Have had it for several years. Love it.If you are looking for used units, check over on pirate4x4.com and you will see a lot of units for sale as well as dies.For information on benders in general, offroadfabnet.com is a great site. Their "Bender" section can answer any question about benders as they have doen side by side comparisons between several units.Grant
Reply:Originally Posted by jackalopeI also did a write-up for offroadfabnet, back in 2005 maybe, of the conversion to electric/hydraulic if you are interested.Grant
Reply:Originally Posted by jackalopeI also did a write-up for offroadfabnet, back in 2005 maybe, of the conversion to electric/hydraulic if you are interested.Grant
Reply:I have the GotTrikes protools based bender (Uses Pro tools dies but I build the arms and the frame etc)  The quality of both Pro Tools and JD2 dies is great and the benders operate the same.  I wished I had done JD2 but the reasoning is very selfish (Their manufacturing facility is only 20 mins from my house now so If i needed a die I could just go pick it up).  Another bender I would look at is the Baliegh RDB-050 which is their new manual bender.  http://www.bii1.com/videos-pages/tub...inch-video.phpBaleigh tools like like very high quality machines. The good thing about ProTools, JD2 and Baleigh is all of the benders and dies for this size of a machine are made in the USA.
Reply:Originally Posted by Jeep07I have the GotTrikes protools based bender (Uses Pro tools dies but I build the arms and the frame etc)  The quality of both Pro Tools and JD2 dies is great and the benders operate the same.  I wished I had done JD2 but the reasoning is very selfish (Their manufacturing facility is only 20 mins from my house now so If i needed a die I could just go pick it up).  Another bender I would look at is the Baliegh RDB-050 which is their new manual bender.  http://www.bii1.com/videos-pages/tub...inch-video.phpBaleigh tools like like very high quality machines. The good thing about ProTools, JD2 and Baleigh is all of the benders and dies for this size of a machine are made in the USA.
Reply:Originally Posted by geezerGrant,Just sent you a PM with my e-mail addressthanks again
Reply:Originally Posted by jackalopeI replied with the direct link yesterday.Hopefully you can view it.The conversion is very similar to the operation of a log splitting machine. Same principle only substitute the wedge with bender arm.Grant
Reply:Mine, including the die cost me around 400-450 I believe. Its the "gottrikes" plan and I really like it. I used a ram from harbor freight that is air over hydraulic (i believe thats the term for it) so I just hook it up to my air and sit back and watch er bend! I used 3/4" instead of the suggested 5/8" for the arms though... Uses protools 105 die. I believe it will do up to 2" and I bend .120 wall 1.750 DOM very easily. I am sure it could do more I just havent done anything else.HTP Invertig 201Lincoln Idealarc SP250Miller 180 AC StickBy farmall:They should have held the seagull closer to the work, squeezing evenly for best deposition.
Reply:I too have built the "gottrikes" bender. I love it and had fun building it.
Reply:Originally Posted by fordmanMine, including the die cost me around 400-450 I believe. Its the "gottrikes" plan and I really like it. I used a ram from harbor freight that is air over hydraulic (i believe thats the term for it) so I just hook it up to my air and sit back and watch er bend! I used 3/4" instead of the suggested 5/8" for the arms though... Uses protools 105 die. I believe it will do up to 2" and I bend .120 wall 1.750 DOM very easily. I am sure it could do more I just havent done anything else.
Reply:Originally Posted by ReebsI too have built the "gottrikes" bender. I love it and had fun building it.
Reply:I have a JD tube bender but I will only buy the dies from Pro Tools. The only reason I have the JD is because I got it cheap. If I was going to buy new I would buy the Pro Tools. After doing lots of research I found that the dies they use are all steel and the dies that JD uses have some kind of aluminum or some other soft metal inserts that wear out really fast.I have a friend at work that has a new JD and after just a few bends with his the dies look like they need new inserts.When I called Pro Tools to ask a question we talked like we was good friends for probably 15 min and I liked that alot.
Reply:Dont get a JD2, get a JMR. Ive seen a few JD2 break.
Reply:I like the Pro Tools as well...built two different benders around a set of their dies. I had a 2 sets of 5/8" thick arms made and I'm using one in a hydraulic conversion, and have and extra set I can sell if anyone is interested the Pirate4x4 forums have a TON of info on benders and conversions!
Reply:I have (2) JD2 Model 3's, one Hydro and one manual. I have been using them for almost 10 years and never had a problem. DOM, 4130, some solid stock....they've always worked great and I've built 100's of cages, bumpers, etc....The new inserts for the for the follow bars are actually a lot nicer then the previous solid steel ones. Like any other tool, you have to make sure you are using it properly or else it will break or give you problems. The alloy inserts don't mar the tubes like the solid steel ones and I have never broken a set.http://all-a-cart.comWelding Cart Kits and accessories
Reply:Originally Posted by 737mechanicI have a JD tube bender but I will only buy the dies from Pro Tools. The only reason I have the JD is because I got it cheap. If I was going to buy new I would buy the Pro Tools. After doing lots of research I found that the dies they use are all steel and the dies that JD uses have some kind of aluminum or some other soft metal inserts that wear out really fast.I have a friend at work that has a new JD and after just a few bends with his the dies look like they need new inserts.When I called Pro Tools to ask a question we talked like we was good friends for probably 15 min and I liked that alot.
Reply:Originally Posted by jackalopeDies are not interchangeable between the two so........................................I think you need to do some more homework before you post!As for the JD2 dies, mine are all steel construction and have never had any problems with them.Mine is the model 3 btw.
Reply:Originally Posted by Shox DrCorrect they are not. Only a small difference, but enough to make a differenceHowever I believe ProTools will make JD type diesIt's the protools and JMR dies that are the same and will interchange. Not the JD2 and Protools dies.
Reply:HI If you want a great American built tubing bender do the "gottrikes" .Here is the one I have and bend  D.O.M. tubing (1-5/8') for street rod frames.Big plus it's portable and easy to build easy to use.www.gottrikes.com/AH_tubebender.htm I have bend past 90 degrees with a 90 degrees die by just making a clamp to slide on the tubing and reposition the die bend some more.  Also shown is a roller I turned for the tubing to roll on when bending big change (no greaseing the tubing)  have funTom Attached ImagesLast edited by acourtjester; 11-22-2009 at 12:12 PM.Reason: wrong picture
Reply:Originally Posted by acourtjesterHI If you want a great American built tubing bender do the "gottrikes" .Here is the one I have and bend  D.O.M. tubing (1-5/8') for street rod frames.Big plus it's portable and easy to build easy to use.www.gottrikes.com/AH_tubebender.htm I have bend past 90 degrees with a 90 degrees die by just making a clamp to slide on the tubing and reposition the die bend some more.  Also shown is a roller I turned for the tubing to roll on when bending big change (no greaseing the tubing)  have funTom
Reply:To find the angle you need an angle finderhttp://www.google.com/products/catal...d=0CBwQ8gIwAg#orhttp://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=34214I have also built the above bender Frank the designer of the bender gives great customer service. Fun buildDave ReberWadsworth Ohio
Reply:I have been using a Pro Tools bender for a long time an have had great sucess , Nice machine at a good price I think,   Good Luck!
Reply:I have not heard anything "bad" about the gottrikes bender, but I am not sure why people make them. The bender itself is not what costs so much money, it is the dies.I have a JD2 model 3 with a bunch of dies, some of which I've made. All 180* dies. Very solid design like the protools bender. All are hossfeld knock-offs which is tried and true.As far a how to determine you angle, you need the accompanying protractor that bolts on the underside of the bender, the pointer that poiints to the angle and you need to know springback.The other thing you can do is buy the Tube Bandit tubebandit.com from Judd tool co. It is a digital read out for manual benders like the JD2 and Protools.And don't forget the BendTech software which is an absolute MUST for anyone with a bender!!!! It will save you a ton of time and a ton of money!!!Granthttp://jackalopefab.com/MM210Synchrowave 200DXMiller XMT350 w/60series feederMiller Bobcat 250 with SGA 100 and spoolgunHTP PlasmaFull Machine shop with everything
Reply:Originally Posted by jackalopeI have not heard anything "bad" about the gottrikes bender, but I am not sure why people make them. The bender itself is not what costs so much money, it is the dies.I have a JD2 model 3 with a bunch of dies, some of which I've made. All 180* dies. Very solid design like the protools bender. All are hossfeld knock-offs which is tried and true.As far a how to determine you angle, you need the accompanying protractor that bolts on the underside of the bender, the pointer that poiints to the angle and you need to know springback.The other thing you can do is buy the Tube Bandit tubebandit.com from Judd tool co. It is a digital read out for manual benders like the JD2 and Protools.And don't forget the BendTech software which is an absolute MUST for anyone with a bender!!!! It will save you a ton of time and a ton of money!!!Grant
Reply:As far as portability, my bender is portable as it has electric/hydraulic conversion. Mine has a roller cart as well.Springback is taken care of in bendtech software and yes, it is a matter of bending a few extra degrees depending on wall thickness, alloy, etc.Granthttp://jackalopefab.com/MM210Synchrowave 200DXMiller XMT350 w/60series feederMiller Bobcat 250 with SGA 100 and spoolgunHTP PlasmaFull Machine shop with everything
Reply:i have a shop outfitters 20/20 its nicebut i wish i went with hossfeld theyhave the most tooling to do all kinds of jobs
Reply:Originally Posted by 737mechanicI have a JD tube bender but I will only buy the dies from Pro Tools. The only reason I have the JD is because I got it cheap. If I was going to buy new I would buy the Pro Tools. After doing lots of research I found that the dies they use are all steel and the dies that JD uses have some kind of aluminum or some other soft metal inserts that wear out really fast.I have a friend at work that has a new JD and after just a few bends with his the dies look like they need new inserts.When I called Pro Tools to ask a question we talked like we was good friends for probably 15 min and I liked that alot.
Reply:I have two sets of dies and followers that are for a Pro-tools HMP200. (http://www.pro-tools.com/200.htm)I bought them a few years back.  I originally planned on building a "Blind Chicken Racing" style.I also like the "GotTrikes" style.I haven't built either one because of the "foot print" they both have, when not in use.I like the Pro-Tools Pro 3 or 4 Vertical. (http://www.pro-tools.com/Pro3-4.htm)Has anyone used this style?  Does anyone know where to get info/plans/measurements/angles for this style.Send me a PM if you have anything.All help is appreciated.-Rhyno07 Fowler 200D65 RedFace04 Miller TB 302, 22hpMiller 12RCMiller HF 251-1Lincoln SP135HyperTherm PM 380and a few others... Originally Posted by RhynoBut, if I "all of a sudden disappear....  ...." hopefully I didn't suffer too much....
Reply:I built a bender using the Gotrikes plans, breaks down for storage, and will bend 110*+ in one shotI built it because I could and I also had the material and parts to hand. This setup would have cost me over 2.5k GBP if I'd of bought it from the Protools Importers. It stands me at 10USD of the plans and my time. I even managed to blag the transport cases one for the bender and another for the pump and bits Attached Images
Reply:Thats pretty slick, Shox. Attached Images
Reply:Originally Posted by WHughesThats pretty slick, Shox.
Reply:Originally Posted by Shox DrCheers. It's not had much use of late. I ordered a 5/8 x3 x240* die set a few months ago and it turned up last week, I can get making some pannier racks and engine guards now. I'll dump the 12v motor and fit a 240v when I can find one at the right price.Since then I also fitted a digital rotary encoder, I can now bend to within a tenth of a degree time after time
Reply:does any one have a ironworker and what kind
Reply:Originally Posted by jackalopeYour encoder.....Is it the Tube Bandit?
Reply:Originally Posted by Shox DrNo it's one of these made by Wixey. Only cost 34GBP (50USD) I made a bracket and it works very well, I had to laugh when I saw the TB version, it's OK but a bit Heath Robinson.I have to bend some tube in the next week so so I'll take some pics for you
Reply:here's the link he postedhttp://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Pendulum-Angle...ht_3006wt_1165Heath Robinson is similar to us americans using the term Ruth Goldberg, when talking about how overly complex something is done.Synchowave 180SD  Bernard 3500SS water coolerMillermatic 200Parker Plasma Tec 40dvOperating Engineers Local 12
Reply:I have the JD2 Model 4 with air over hydraulic. I bought it new set up that way from Medford Tools. Good guys to work with. Far away from me, but they have always been helpful.It suits my needs as much as I have had to use it....But I used my buddies Baleigh. That Baleigh is the cat's meow, the bees knees, you know.....I really am glad I don't do too much tube bending because my JD2 is a hassle to deal with. I don't care for how it sets up. But it DOES do the job.Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:if anyone is thinking square only, check out  anscotool.com .   up to 2" - no extra dies to buy - pretty reasonable - copy it or buy it.
Reply:Originally Posted by airtugif anyone is thinking square only, check out  anscotool.com .   up to 2" - no extra dies to buy - pretty reasonable - copy it or buy it.
Reply:1325USD for what really is only two dies is EXPENSIVE, since you can pick the tube kinker up for less than 75
Reply:try bending 2"-.120 to 90 d. with an hf tube kinker - what a joke.  deformation - sure - so what.  the outer wall is still .120.  could fill it with sand - royal pain - and have a stretched .062 outer wall, but it would look "purty".  always trade offs - kinda like life.    1" - 1-1/4" - 1-1/2" - 2"  -  i think that's 4.