Couple questions about working with tubing.

admin

Sorry about the continual questions but I would like to pick the collective brain on some tubing issues. I am thinking of building basically a UTV from scratch based off of plans modified for my uses. The base buggy I am thinking of building is at the following link: http://www.badlandbuggy.com/plans_st3.htmlI would want to modify that one to add a platform deck for loading camping equipment. I would mostly be using this not on sand but on forest road trails that are too small for my full size Ford f150 such as ATV trails.While considering this a couple questions popped into my mind.1) I heard using a Mandrel bender for tubing is better than your stock Northern Tools bender. Why is that and is it possible to get such a bender without breaking the bank? Say the budget is around 500 max.2) A side thought occurred wondering how they design the frames to these things. I am guessing they just follow some established norms? What I am referring to is that i doubt this plans vendor did millions of dollars worth of computer simulation testing on the stresses in this thing. So I was wondering whether I might be able to create my own frame without their plans or if I could modify their frame. When looking at a buggy frame, what would you look for to let you know something is not strong enough or perhaps too rigid? Thanks in advance.Victor Journeyman OA TorchVictor Edge RegulatorsLincoln 180HD (240v) MIG/FCAWShark LT v7 CADMiller Digital Elite Helmet35 Milligrams of Insanity
Reply:There are two types of benders that people get mixed up on what is used for what:Tube BenderPipe BenderEd Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Another thread about Tube Bendershttp://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=38580Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:A "mandrel" bender is not what you need. You need a standard "rotary draw" bender like the JD2 model 3.For the price of a mandrel bender and all of the necessary tooling you could buy a turnkey LS1 powered rail.http://all-a-cart.comWelding Cart Kits and accessories
Reply:I would also check the local trails to see if they have a Max width- I know some trails out here have Poles to limit access and my Rhino will not fit.Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Originally Posted by Broccoli1I would also check the local trails to see if they have a Max width- I know some trails out here have Poles to limit access and my Rhino will not fit.