biuld your own tube benderhttp://www.blindchickenracing.com/Tools/Tube%20Bender/Tubingbender.htm

Nice. Be even nicer if there were plans, though.

We should be happy enough that guy wanted to share that stroke of genious to anyone else who wants a hydrolic bender for half the price of a manual one. Thanks for posting that here, remember that back from... well you know.

Don't get me wrong. It's way cool that he shared it. It just doesn't help most people unless they can duplicate it. I'm not in the position, yet but may give it a shot, based on the pics, when I am.

Same here except I will give it a shot before buying one. Even if you have the metal shop cut all the peices to specs for you(I dont have a plasma cutter or chop saw, only a sawzall) it will still work out to about 400 bucks... not too shabby at all considering the alternatives.

Chances are, you will get it done before I do. I not only lack a plasma cutter or chop saw, I lack a garage. Post up, when you get it done. I'd be interested in learning more. Hint, hint.... make plans!

I will, it would be shame to write down cut one peice of 1/4 steel to 3"x6 1/2" etc... etc... many times only to throw it away or something. But im in no rush, im not hardcore enough to roll nor are there hills big enough in ND

im not hardcore enough to roll nor are there hills big enough in ND

Ummmm, it don't take a big hill to roll. Chit happens. :)
the wind there alone could knock ya to yer side! hehe.

To simplify the construction and get some of the ingredients cheap, you might look at the Harbor freight pipe bender for under 50 bucks. It's absolutely useless for bending tubing or pipe, I use it to straighten bent tie rods and press bearings. But it's got a 12 ton hyd jack cylinder with a 12" (or so) stroke in a frame that can be modified pretty easily. If I manage to get the dies I'll build it up and put up the pic's to the dude's link. Thanks for posting this NOBS.
Jim

im not hardcore enough to roll nor are there hills big enough in ND

Ummmm, it don't take a big hill to roll. Chit happens. :)
the wind there alone could knock ya to yer side! hehe.

True there is a whole lot of wind up on the northern plains, but my point was not that im pressing my luck but rather that its on the list that is long and its not near the top.

IF I didnt roll my truck going sideways at 50MPH down a 15 foot hill I dunno why jeeps cant keep all 4 on the ground going straight on dry pavement!!

Im bringin this thread back just for the pure fact that alot of people have been thinking about it.... and its pretty badass too.

:thumbup

Has anyone done there own build... Id be interested in seeing some pictures...

Im bringin this thread back just for the pure fact that alot of people have been thinking about it.... and its pretty badass too.

:thumbup

I like his opening statement:

"There are No Plans for this bender, none now, and none later.
I want you to think freely and create."

Check this out:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1-3-4-Tubing-Bender-Tube-Bender-SandRail-Prerunner_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a1205Q7c 66Q3a2Q7c65Q3a12Q7c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a1Q7 c293Q3a1Q7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhas hZitem160316402070QQitemZ160316402070QQptZMotorsQ5 fAutomotiveQ5fTools

That looks pretty good but looks like you won't be able to do 180*+ bends.

No it only 90* but for that price I'm not sure it would be worth building one. $300 with the die!! For most 90* should be sufficient unless your making a brush guard that wraps around the headlights or a stinger.

I used plans from this site:
http://favoriteprojects.com/how_to_build_a_tube_bender.htm

Bought the tool steel rods from onlinemetals.com and the dies and roller from Pro Tools in Tampa. I have about 450-500 dollars in it since steel prices were high last year. Using the EZ BendTech software that Pro Tools sells, I have only screwed up one piece of tubing making a door bar for a mini stock car. The main hoop and halo bar came out perfect.

I made this when i was an apprentice. The die in it is for 1 1/2" standard pipe and I made dies for 1 1/4" & 1" standard pipe as well. Doesn't get a lot of use lately, but it is sure handy to have around.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/278276/fullsize/zzz-pipe-bender.jpg

I just bought that one off ebay but It needs work to make a true 90d bend . the jack runs out of travel before 90 ,plus you have to go past 90 to compensate for spring back. I got the 1 5/8 and used 1.625od .095wall Dom
the bend is clean with no creasing or deformation.
im gonna tweek on it saturday

sweet