H Bender Clone

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I have started constructing my own Bender from plans I found on the Internet.I have converted the dimensions to metric.I plan to make all my dies myself.The inner swing arm is completed.I am now making the fixed arm and the feet. The spacer with the hole and curved side is a bit challenging, but not impossible.I will update this post as I progress.I need more info on making dies, but I guess I will figure it out.Cheers Johan.
Reply:Just started one myself this evening seen it on the YouTube yesterday and decided to build one. Couldn't find any plans on the web so. Making the main frame and fixed handle out 3"x1/5 for a wee bit extra strength
Reply:Is this an exact copy of a hosss field if so american bender has dies that will interchange and are reasonable $$
Reply:I'll be making my own dies due to the fact that I've parts of different machinery lying around the workshop    (waste not want not )
Reply:Just google hossfeld bender plans.   You get full cad drawings for free.   Might eliminate some guess workMiller BobcatHarris cutting outfitMiller spectrum 625 plasmaVariety of shopmade tools
Reply:I cannot order any dies currently to RSA as it is unreasonably expensive wrt shipping due to weight. I wanted to order a DVD yesterday and the FEDEX shipping is $99.00. To order something heavy will be more than to make them myself. It is also fun to make somethinmg yourself.I have converted the hole sixes to metric (very minor difference) I have however made the main frame 80mm wide for extra strenght. The plan says 2 ½ inch (63 mm). Due to the fact that I made my own dies, that will have no difference. Due to metric, I have less sizes to make than Imperial. For pipe for example: 20mm, 25, 30, 40, 50. That is about 3/4 inch, 1, 1 1/4, 1 1/2, 2 inch. I do not use other sizes.The same withh screws and drills. I metric you use less (less to buy and therefore cheaper).I will keep you posted as I progress.CheersJohan.
Reply:Johanthese guys (http://www.strongman.co.za/) do a local bender and sell formers in various sizes, maybe you can adapt them to work in your set-up.nice work so far by the way.Alan
Reply:Just putting up my bender main frame and handle done. Now down to designing the dies for it
Reply:Can't seem to post pics up
Reply:I made the oscillating block today. It take quite some time to complete. A full day.I think this was one of the most difficult parts to make.RegardsJohan
Reply:I progressed little today.Just a lot of drilling.I made two holes at the back of the mounting additionally to provide for a ratchet lever as well. I am not planning to go hydraulic right now, but ratchet lever action force will be enough.Tackit,I see you have done some interesting projects.CheersJohan
Reply:Hi Johan Got a test run on mind yesterday. Was using 75psi to bend 1"SHS on a 6" roller was impressed. Waiting for hydraulics to come this week so I'll be able to form larger stock
Reply:damoltdI see you have made use of bolts as axle pins. I have thought in the same direction. I have ordered the high tesnstile bolts. I am now waiting for them.I am not thinking in going to hydraulic right now nut rather to modify my design to be able to take a similar ratchet as the JD no 3 bender.I see that you have welded a spacer in the frames. I am also going to modify some of the dies and make use of more simpler designs. I am sure I will be able to make something totally cheaper that will perform just as well as the originals. I still believe that the commercial models use non-cheap dies because they aim to make money. That is my personal opinion. I may be wrong but I am going to do it. As you make any further dies or mods, please post.Cheers.Johan
Reply:Hi Johan This bender hasn't cost a red cent yet everything is made from left-overs of other  jobs and the pneumatic ram and the hydraulic kits came from a factory clear out have to get 3 phase converter for the hydraulics. I'll keep you post on all the different dies that I design. I cut up 2no 3" V block of a brake press and drill 20 & 24 mm holes in them, also have 4" block with large V in it. This will be for bending 90* flat bar. I have a 16ton pipe bender which I have used for a few years but this put a slight kink in the pipe which I hate when making handrails. The idea is to convert these dies into this new bender Damian
Reply:I may have missed this but did you weld up those arms or are they bent in a press?
Reply:Hi bluehillThey were bent in the brake press
Reply:Mine was also bent in a 42 ton press. Commercially.RegardsJohan
Reply:Johan Here's a photo of some of the dies that I made today there cut of the brake press block. Haven't tried them yet waiting to see if I can pick up a old blade about 41/2" in lengthDamian
Reply:Damian,Can you perhaps post a pic of how you attached your grading circle/I also would like to see the dies on the axles more closer. I looks like a thick walled tube with angle or flats attached or welded on.RegardsJohan
Reply:Hi Johan Here's the photos   the picture which is sitting on top of the main frame has a bolt welded into it. This allows the centre axle pin to fit down to within a few mms above the bolt head. This way the angle finder dial can turn freely and the nut to lock it tight
Reply:these are old parts of dies from a brake press that I've drilled holes in. And the 1-1/2 former is made of hardwood sandwich between two plates of steel  have a bit of tweeking to do but so impressed with the pneumatic ram it's able to bend the pipe but kinks it badly and the ram is only pressing at 75psi
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Reply:Thank you sir.RegardsJohan
Reply:Don't be calling me SIR you could probably teach me a thing or two lolHope the photos were of help? Damian
Reply:Hi Johan How are you getting on with your bender and dies. Had to make frames this week and the bender got its first commercially paid job.I have not worked on the project for some time now. I had surgery and cannot properly walk. I have to heal first and progress with physiotherapy firt.I am now trying to source some spring steel or leave spring to make some further dies.RegardsJohan
Reply:Sorry to hear that hope you get up and about soon. I'm the same here haven't been working on it for a while, got back into full time work. So with winter setting in started to build a rocket stove to keep workshop warm on late evenings. End up making three of them one for the workshop one for a friend and one for my living room. Hope you have a good Christmas Damian
Reply:Same to you my friend.Here in SA it is so hot that some days I don't even want to go into the garage. And the heat is still coming.RegardsJohan
Reply:I'm in Ireland and it's raining cats and dogs and high winds
Reply:damoltd/jors:sorry to bust into your thread here but had to tell you how great your benders look. especially the dies. that wood/steel plate die combo and oscillating block are very ingenious. i have a very old hoss bender at work and some of those dies are massive. an excellent build and on the cheep besides.i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla