Looking for a project...

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I just traded a Mini lathe for a JD2 bender with 1.25 round tubing die.  I don't have an immediate use for the bender.  I would like to do a project out of Aluminum.  Is it possible to bend aluminum with the bender.  If not then I will just use mild steel.Any suggestions on a project.  I don't have a need for a roll cage.  Not looking for an extreme project just want to have a reason to play/practice with the bender.Thanks
Reply:i dunno about the aluminum part, but what about making any of the following:- exhuast for a small engine (lawnmower with a glass-pack?)-turn the kid's red wagon into a mini-racer with a small rollcage-do any pieces of lawn furniture need new legs/supports?-handrails?-a sculpture of some sort?-make a new welding table/cart outta round tube?the list can go on and on, but from what i know (very little) about tube/pipe benders, your limiting factor could be the reletively small diameter capacity that you have. do you happen to have any other dies or at least a good source for them? it'd be ideal to go out and get every one imaginable, but they get expensive very very fast.Later,Andy
Reply:I bought the ornimental bender from Shop Outfitters and also got the idea book. This book is full of awesome little project ideas.http://www.shopoutfitters.com/Shop_O...signbook2.html
Reply:Thanks AczellerI am leaning toward some sort of welding cart.  Kids have been wanting me to make a go-cart.I make handrails for a living.  I will wait until I get another pipe rail job to purchase a 1.25.  I would bid any new dies into a job.
Reply:I have done a fair amount of aluminum and is is a little tough to bend tight. A small radius can cause cracking. Dont use anodized and the cheaper grades also bend better. I recently did a bump rail on a peivate barge to keep the captain from hitting the throtels. The area was tight so I neede a 2" radius to fit or I would have to cut it and weld it. they also wanted 1.25 minimum preferd was 1.5" so I used 1.5" solid 5053 and it bent like a champ. For tubing a rarger say 4" pluse radius would be more inline. Also check with the manufacter and see what tip they got. Steel Thunder Welding LLC. St. Thomas VI USAMM350PBOBCAT 3MAXSTAR 150 STH375 EXTREME PLASMA6.5 HP COMPRESORDEWALT 18, 24, AND 36 VOLTO/A TORCH SETAND SO MUCH MORE I DONT REMEMBERALL IN MY 2005 2500HD EXTENDED CAB L/B
Reply:Ironman, do they have tubing project in that book.  This bender is a tube/pipe bender only.  OffrdfunMy radius is 4.5"Thanks  guys