Tube Bender - Die Size

[wiedemab]

What suggestions would anyone make as to which die size(s) and CLR to purchase along with a bender. I'm currently looking at the Pro-Tools Model 105 and/or JD2 Model 3 (not sure yet ,but leaning toward the M105).



My question is basically which ones would be the most useful. Uses may include - roll cages (mostly mild steel, but maybe some 4130), cross members and just odds and ends. I didn't know if anyone had found that a few select sizes were the most commonly used.

Thanks,

Brandon

[Camaro Zach]

I have the JD2 Model 3 and have the 1 5/8" round tube die. Soon ill be getting a 1", and 1 1/4" round for control arms. And ill be making my own 1/2",3/4", and 1" sq. tube dies.
Really it depends on what your sanction body requires. Quite a few people use 1 1/2" for crossmembers and such (to me the 1 5/8" is close enough) and some sanction bodies require 1 3/4" material.

but the most common ones i'd say are 1", 1 1/2", 1 5/8",and 1 3/4" round dies

[PhillipM]

I also have a model 3 bender and I love it. The 1 5\8 die on a 5.5 is very usefull.

[parsonsj]

Start with 1.75, then go to 1.25, then 1.00.

That'll cover roll cages, control arms, and most other stuff. Skip the 1 5/8 stuff. It won't pass tech for some sanctioning bodies.

jp

[wiedemab]

Thanks JP - I was thinking that 1.75 6"CLR might be a good place to start and pick up some others as I needed them.

BTW - I saw the IIMuch teaser in PHR. I bet you're chomping at the bit to get your car on the road! Good Luck!


Brandon

[parsonsj]

I saw the IIMuch teaser in PHR.

Brandon, thanks. You bet I'm chompin' at the bit. I was hoping to get it to Pigeon Forge. But that isn't gonna happen.

I bolted the tranny back in tonight .. it was out to fix a leak. A little fluid, some adjustment, and it'll be on the road. Still lots to do to "finish", though. I still have to put True's front and rear windows in.

jp