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Can anyone recommend a good tubing bender and notcher? I need the bender capable of bending 1 3/4 DOM .120 down to 1 inch. Definately need one with a degree wheel for accuracy. I've looked at the ones pro-tools offers and wonder if I can get away with their yellow and black one on their website? Also they have a roller which I need to make consistent radiuses in the tubing, for example a 36" centerline radius. They seem to have everything I need including a notcher but I dont know how good there stuff is. Can anyone suggest any of these or others they use? Thanks.
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The one from pro-tools is a good one, I've seen several and they do great. I think operator has a bit to do with it, the more skill the better the bends!
Peace, -
Here one, I don't know what the tightest radius you can order for it is though.
http.www.landtman.com/tb.html
I don't know why anyone would want to tug on a handle when you can just pump a jack handle until the desired degree your wanting is indicated on a magnetic angle finder?
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Can you help me find the link to pro-tools if they have a web site?Comment
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Equipment
Lincoln SA 200, Miller 252 , Miller TrailBlazer 275 and Hypertherm Powermax 600Comment
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Many thanks Gun, my search engine was not capable of pulling this up, I guess I need to refill to the tank with super....Comment
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lol No Problem
Equipment
Lincoln SA 200, Miller 252 , Miller TrailBlazer 275 and Hypertherm Powermax 600Comment
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I own a jd2 model 3 and love it.
I'm in process of converting it to hydraulic {many web sites showing how}. You can check out the model 3 at www.jd2.com or www.vansant.com
I love my model 3. there are a ton of different radius dies to choose from. The only thing i don't like about it is the degree wheel . The protool 105 has a machined degree ring and the model 3 has a silk screened {painted}.
I started with a cheap harbor freight notcher that worked ok {for the price}, but now i use my mill.
There is a lot of the pro 105 vs model 3 out there. You couldn't go wrong with either.
Mike. R
Dynasty 300dx tig runner w/ 3 torch Versa-Tig torch changer {wt-20f, wt-24f, mt-125}
MM 251/30a/4015 roughneck
Miller portable spot welder
Inferno >>> Big Window EliteComment
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I prefer the Hossfeld bender. The inital cost is much higher but it will pay off in time saved if this is more than a hobby.
Hossfeld vs Pro........The Pro bender is a good bender, it that it makes good, wrinkle free bends.......Pro will tell you that it will easily bend 1 3/4 dom......The truth is, it is difficult to say the least.......quite a workout to get it done.
The Pro is much more time consuming........you have to remove the dies to get the tube in or out and use a set screw to hold it in place. Not really a big deal on a single bend piece, But a real pain on a hoop. I would guess that it takes at least four times longer to bend with a Pro than a Hossfeld.
Quality of bends........I have already said that a pro will make good bends.....It does.......but a Hossfeld makes Excellent bends in comparison..........The Hossfeld dies are much better.......they FORM the tube in the bend........they limit the streching much better than Pro dies........
The only good thing about the Pro when compared to Hossfeld is the initial price..........and the cheaper price is a loser for any production work...........
Sounds like I'm ripping the Pro.......I'm not......it is much better than most other types of rachet or bottlejack benders.........If it's for hobby or low usage......Perhaps it's just the ticket.......After all, you can't bend the tubing with a Hossfeld with out hydraulics.........
You can save quite a bit by building your own hydraulic system......for either bender.
Notcher..........Mittler Bros ultimate tubing notcher..........If the budget allows, this is the only way to go............ the Pro notcher you mentioned, it is sort of a copy of the Mittler Bro design........The difference is the Mittler clamps the tube in a cross vise and feeds the tube into the cutter........the Pro clamps the tube in the vise and slides the whole motor/cutter assembly into the tube.........I believe the Mittler design to be better.
Good LuckComment
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Just realized, You are probably refering to the type of notcher one turns with a 1/2 drill........The Pro is one of the better ones........If memory serves, it has a bigger shaft and needle bearings......Most of the competition uses a smaller shaft and a collar........You can find these on E-bay.
Good LuckComment
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I've had the Pro 105HD for a few years now. I think it is a good bender. I also
have 8 or 9 die sets for it. I went with all 240degree die sets instead of the stanard 120degree sets. (price is also greater). Be prepared to mount to
floor if you dont get hydraulic option. I've bent 1 3/4 .120 Dom and 2" .120
Dom. I thought it did fine. Be prepared for a little bit of a learning curve,
pratice, pratice (heard that before I bet). I also have a good friend who has
a Mitler Bros. bender, it also works great. Maybe its just me, but it does
take a little pratice to get good with it, I have a whole shed full of "almost
perfect" bends. I also have the Pro-tools heavy duty notcher, I use it in the drill press, It does a good job up to about 55 to 60 degrees.
Another handy tool to go along with tubing work is a Digital Protrator,
I got mine from Mitler Bros. but many places make them.
Hope this helps.
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There's a mini write-up here on converting one from manual to hydro.
IMO, I would not go less than either the JD2 model 3 or the Pro-Tools 105HD. Both have shown to hold up well in the heavier wall applications. The standard model 105 from pro-tools is notorious for bending and sometimes ripping the arms...Comment
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Reply to snow
Snow, do you have a link to the Mittler Bros Tubing notcher? A website address? Thanks again for the info? Also how much of a difference is there in price between the Haussfield bender and the pro-tools one?Comment
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http://www.mittlerbros.com/Originally posted by Chopper
On the difference, there are a lot and a little, if that makes sense. A lot of people are going with the Pro-Tools or JD2 simply because of price and the ability to adapt hydro easier. I've heard it's a PITA to do with a haussfield, but I've got no experience. I know the Haussfield has a LOT more options available to it, besides just bending tube, so that is a perk in their court, but I've heard their overall design is a little week.
Now, alot of what I just posted is borderline hear-say or rumor. I've only got experience with the JD2 and Pro-Tools, so, take it for what it's worth...
KPComment
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I talked to jim over at pro tools and they have a upgraded 105 comming out in 6+ weeks with increased capacity... I am waiting for the new unit & will let you guys know how it works out. I am out of the pocket for that long earning money for the project and toys
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