pipe benders (in OZ)

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OK, I have had it in the back of my mind to get a decent pipe bender for a while. I have started making 4wd accessories starting with rock sliders and getting a local bloke to do the bending is unsatisfactory for many reasons, anyway a couple of guys have asked me to make them comp style tube Bullbars so the time has come to do something.Been getting a headache trying to sort through all the options, unfortunately I am a long way from anywhere that I can look at anything in person so its all on the net which is giving me a headache.I want accuracy, repeatable smooth bends, reasonably quick and not a million dallars. I am also limited to single phase (240v) at this stage which is a real pain. Also would like it to handle 50mm od 3mm wall thickness which I think in Yankee speak is 1 1/2" schedule 40? Anyway does anyone have any feed back on this machine from Hare and Forbes?http://www.machineryhouse.com.au/T606Only issue with this one is the 2mm max wall thickness for 50mm, thats not as much as I would have liked, 3mm would be better but cant find anything.Or any other suggestions. Attached Images
Reply:Is there anyone down there making a bender in a similar style to the JD2 model 3 or pro-tools 105?They do a good job bending, and are much cheaper. http://www.pro-tools.com/product.aspx?zpid=348Ian TannerKawasaki KX450 and many other fine tools
Reply:buy plans from Frank and build your own use air over hydraulic for power.http://www.gottrikes.com/Tube_Bender.htm Attached Images
Reply:We have a distributor in Oz for JD2 benders, not having seen one in the flesh I can only go on videos and what I have read. The model 3 and 4 benders seem like a good piece of kit but I wonder about there fast repeatable accurate bends. I weld up my products in a jig so need everything to come out exactly the same, not a degree or 2 out.I actually spoke to the local distributor yesterday about the 53 model, that seems to be the pretty good and ticks all the boxes, about 7 grand with one set of dies so not cheap, but better than the 12-15k for others I have seen that are similar.I had thought about making my own, but once again worry about the acurracy and repeatabilty and speed of a home made one.Cheers Andrew
Reply:For accuracy and repeatability get one of thesehttp://www.ebay.com/itm/V-Groove-Inc...item53f011563aSet the bender up level and check the angle as you bend.And for speed use the air/hydraulic ram and you can make bends in 2 minutes.
Reply:Thanks Mick, I have emailed JD2 in the states and they told me I can buy direct from them. I just have to make sure these guys wanting the bullbars aren't jerking my chain before I comit to getting one.Cheers Andrew
Reply:Originally Posted by Mick120The JD2 stuff is quite reasonable.....freight will be a bit but, you'll still be way in front.You can also cut down on freight by making your own stand.Don't rely on a couple of guys to make your decision.....think ahead on ways you can make the bender pay for itself if the bullbar idea goes t!ts up......diversify, don't put all your eggs in one basket......IMHO......P.S. Carefull who you use for freight.....I had a real bad run with DHL and, I'd give them a wide berth if you can help it, trouble is, a lot of US companies use them exclusively.