Im looking to purchase a hydraulic tubing bender, wondering what other fabricators were using. Any feedback would be great, thanks. Kyle.

 

Check out JD squared benders. I've had one for about 18 years without having any problems. If yo are going to do low production stuff you don't need a hydraulic, the model 3 will bend 1 3/4" .120 wall DOM with only a little effort. If you are just starting out it allows you to make mistakes at a slower rate because you are working for every degree of bend not just moving a hydraulic lever.

 

I was actually looking at that bender last night, seems to be the best, and at the best price. Thanks for the input.

 

nice, pretty affordable too

 

what would you recommend for bending intercooler tubing?

 

These guys have all sorts of cool tubing fab stuff, even a few mandrel benders http://www.vansantent.com/

 

damn seems that once u get above 2" it gets pricey. i wish there was something cheap for aluminum since its so easy to bend

 

I may be wrong, but I suspect that cutting and welding are going to be you best bets for larger tubes.

-b

 

Cut and weld is the way to go. For aluminum you need a mandrel bender. Figure on about $40,000 for the rig then about $2500-$3000 per set of dies.

 

For the intake I would just buy mandrel bends and cut/weld them. If you don't have a TIG and are doing it yourself, it's easier to use mild steel and paint/ powdercoat the tubes.

 

Those benders we were looking at is mainly for roll cage fabrication.

 

I really like the way our tube shark works. We have worked it to death and it keeps on giving.

The company is pretty quick with supplying tooling and that is a huge deal for us. Sometimes we need tooling for a customer and can't wait months like some places that sell benders take to make the tooling.

www.tubeshark.com




-billy

 

That tube shark looks like a quality piece of machinery.

 

how about one of these? I can go check it out for you
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/tls/603036157.html

 

let me get my spare 80,000 i have in my piggybank

 

Buddy has the Tube Shark.. built my cage with it, fantastic. Just have to remember to lube your dies. The foot controller comes in handy.