Tube Bender -- What to get?

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I've seen lots of neat tube bender/ring roller projects that folks here on the forum have built....I really don't have time to build one...so am hoping there is a simple inexpensive one out there that I can buy for the $600 coming from the Fed Govt next month.  It only needs to be capable of bending 1/2", 3/4", and 1" round tubing, and maybe adaptable to square tubing up to 1".  It would only be used ocassionally for small projects (right now I'm building some tomato plant cages from 3/8" rebar and bending the rings with a "hickey" type conduit bender which is quite slow and takes lots of hammering to get the rings "close to round").  Hopefully, some of you can steer me toward some economical units. Thanks.....no_arc
Reply:What range of radii are you needing?
Reply:Mac - thanks (Oops!) -- probably radii from 6" to 24" would cover my "typical" projects.
Reply:If I remember correctly, there are some benders on eBay that you can get for around $500 and I think pro-tools.com has one.  But you will still need to purchase your bending die and that can run you another $200+.I am almost finished with my bender.  It is my first TIG project and rolls on wheels and can bend up to 180 deg.Build a Barstool Racer at BarFlyRacers.com!
Reply:I dont really know if this is what you want....might be a little overkill for tomato plant cages...but is by far the best value in tubing benders available....I spoke at length with the maker and he uses better materials and can make ANY die you want.www.tubetek.netHis website is pretty simple but the product is first rate.TA 185 Pro WaveTD cutmaster 52Millermatic 135Dewalt chopsawHarbour junk bandsaw
Reply:Some pics of his bender. Attached ImagesTA 185 Pro WaveTD cutmaster 52Millermatic 135Dewalt chopsawHarbour junk bandsaw
Reply:I have a jd2. It does from 1/2 to 2"tube. Its good for what I use it for but I dont think it will do what you want. These types only do 180 degrees. See if you can find a ring roll. That will do 360 degrees and bigger radious. Look at the site www.tricktools.com   . They have a big selection of different stuff to give you an idea. My type is more focused on rollbar stuff and probley wont do as large of a radious. Based on tubing size they dont do tight radiouses either. It is similar to the one posted above. Look at this. www.shopoutfitters.com/Pages/RingRoller.html . If you have a press you can make one yourself. Need a few pulleys something to spin the top on where the press would be and notch a few slits in the sides where the tube comes out. Just an idea ive been thinking of. Good luck hope it helps some.Last edited by Hott Racing; 04-21-2008 at 02:51 PM.lincoln sp100miller syncrOwave 200 matobo grinders6 different torches for display  Learning the trade