1. Registration trouble? Please use the "Contact Us" link at the bottom right corner of the page and your issue will be resolved.
    Dismiss Notice

pipe bending for roll cage applications.

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by 1974Sixer, Jun 23, 2009.

  1. 1974Sixer

    1974Sixer Member

    Just curious, I've noticed the preferred tool is the jd benders for building roll cages, but I was wondering if a tool like this could be used?

    Looks like the main limitation is the way it's mounted but was curious if any on has used one of these to get your bends on 1.75" tubing?


    [​IMG]
     
    1974Sixer, Jun 23, 2009
    #1
  2. 1970CJ6

    1970CJ6 new mexico air

    We bought one here at work for some railings. With SCH 40 pipe all it wanted to do was kink the pipe like a muffler shop bends.

    Bought a Hausfeld bend and it bends like a mandrel bender.

    Andrew
     
    1970CJ6, Jun 23, 2009
    #2
  3. Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Pro-Tools is the setup I use (home built hydro with their dies now). Those just tend to kink the tube/pipe. I would not use it.
     
    Warloch, Jun 23, 2009
    #3
  4. clay

    clay Driving

    That is a pipe bender not a tubing bender. I have one and played with it. You can do small bends in tubing or bigger bends in pipe 1/2 to 1 1/2 in. but it would be tough to do a cage with one. It does not like to bend 90s in anything but small pipe.
     
    clay, Jun 23, 2009
    #4
  5. Wmi68CJ5

    Wmi68CJ5 Let the Sun Shine!

    I am using a greenlee conduit bender that I borrowed. If you know a commercial electrician they may have one they can loan you. I still haven't dialed it in completely but it bends very nicely. Look at this thread to see what I using

    http://www.earlycj5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=65448
     
    Wmi68CJ5, Jun 24, 2009
    #5
  6. double R

    double R Member

    double R, Jun 24, 2009
    #6
  7. Dummy

    Dummy I kick hippies

    A roller and a bender are two different things. You really wouldn't build a cage with a roller unless you were going for broad, sweeping arcs.

    Guys have used the pipe benders. I've seen plenty of rigs on the trail built with them. It'll get the job done, but it's not ideal.

    Better to scour the 4x4 community site classifieds, fabrication site classifieds, etc if you want used and pick up an M-Tech, JD2, or similar mandrel bender and die set. You can sometimes pick up a used one for $200-$300 with one or two die set if somebody upgrades to a hydro bender or a shop closes.

    For the average Jeep, you can get by with just one 1-3/4 die set for most jobs. I usually only break out the 1-1/2 die for cross bars, seat mounts, or sometimes crossmembers builds. Hardly use the 1-inch die, but it's nice to have in case I wanna build the kids a go kart or something. In hindsight a 1-1/4 die would've been better 'cause that's a better size for seat mounts.
     
    Dummy, Jun 24, 2009
    #7