Hossfeld Hydraulic Conversion

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New guy here- great site, lots of insights, enjoying everyones projects and research.  I picked up a # 2 Hossfeld with a real good selection of dies for a decent price used.  It didn't have the hydraulic conversion kit though and I am coming up on a 1 1/2" sched. 40 handrail job that will need 4" radii and that's going to require hydraulics.  I took measurments of the armatures, plating and ratcheting arm the conversion needs from another bender and plan to fab that up.  What I am trying to locate is the power pack/hydraulics that will make it work.  Obviously, the trick is to keep it cheap but workable.  Haven't located a used Enerpac or alternative, the Harbor Freight electric powered hydrulic pump has the PSI required [1000] but not the GPM- Hossfeld OEM is 1000 PSI with 2 GPM from a 1 HP motor.  I'm wondering what any of you guys have used successfully to convert your benders- I know there has got to be a few of you that wouldn't consider forking over the $3500 for the OEM kit when you could do it yourself for a lot less, so could I get any advice?  If you went with an air/hydraulic, how is it working for you?  Is it too slow or OK?  Anybody want to throw me something to think about I'd appreciate it.
Reply:I did jd squared conversion.  My laptop is down and I am postingfrom my droid.  I think I posted here. Search my user name andyou should find it. I hate posting from my droid.T.J.www.tjsperformance.comDynasty 300 DXHTP 240HTP Microcut 380Hyperthem 85JD2 Hyd Bender and HF Hyd Ring Roller all in one =(Frankenbender)Bpt. Mill/DRO4' x 8' CNC Plasma TableInstagram: tjsperformanceYT: TJS Welding and Fabrication
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Reply:1. go to your local hydraulic repair shop to get help on ordering all the parts and making up the hoses. The setup for my pro-tools 105 cost about $2000 from my local shop and it worked the first time (priceless).2. the GPM number will tell you how fast the machine goes, the psi and ram diameter will tell you how strong it is. 3. Do not get cheap and opt for a single acting setup (like harbor freight or portapower), the first time a tube gets stuck in the dies you will regret it.Ian TannerKawasaki KX450 and many other fine tools
Reply:I did a hydraulic conversion on my JD2 model 3 several years ago. I redid the entire assembly last year by machining a much better system and adding a tube bandit digital readout. I have bent a lot of tube over the years, but the best system, is getting the Bend Tech software and a Digital read out from Tube Bandit. The hydraulics are a must for doing a lot of tube bending if you haven't figured that out yetLike so many things and projects I have done, I failed to take pictures...............http://jackalopefab.com/MM210Synchrowave 200DXMiller XMT350 w/60series feederMiller Bobcat 250 with SGA 100 and spoolgunHTP PlasmaFull Machine shop with everything
Reply:Surplus center may have the parts you need at a reasonable pricehttp://www.surpluscenter.com/sort.as...c&keyword=HPPA
Reply:Thanks for all the feedback guys- haven's started the conversion yet- still holding out on that Craigslist hydraulic power pack deal of the year and rummaging through industrial surplus bins while trying to attend to the business of making some money with the paying projects.  A though occured to me- I was planning on building the armatures out of 2" X 1/2 A36- same dimensions as Hossfeld but I'm wondering if hardened steel is neccesary.  Any input?  BTW- it's great to have found this site, the level of experience and expertise being shared is head and shoulders above a lot of other forums.
Reply:Don't bother with hardened steel. You might want to drill more holes in the arms for different purposes.Ian TannerKawasaki KX450 and many other fine tools