Tube and pipe bending, novice need some advice.

[LEXX]

After reading about all the tube work you guys have been doing it has inspired me to start doing some of my own. I've just purched a 10 tonne tube bender and assorted jigs so I'm ready to give it a go.

Just wondering if you guys would be able to direct me to a decent web site or publication that may help me get what I want. I'm quite prepared to go the trail and see way but don't want to waste to much money on materials before I am competent.

Thanx in advance, LEXX. (Don't hold it against me just because I drive a Jeep )

[N*A*M]

are you looking for jeep ideas to copy or instructions on using your bender? pirate4x4.com has both.

if you are looking for materials, search google for onesteel and navigate their tech section. you should find out specs on various types of tube and pipe available. i found this in my favourites - http://www.tubemakers.com.au/massbook.asp - it might be useful. i haven't looked at it for yonks but i must've bookmarked it for some reason.

my recommendation is to go to your local steel supplier and pick up the small pipe sections that they have in their scrap bin. get lots, go home and bend them up. find out how to bend to get good results. i use spray-on motorcycle chain oil on the dies before bending. i find that i get a nicer inner bend without scratches, and it's easier to get the die off afterwards. make sure you use a tight fitting die. they will open up over time though. place your bender horizontally on the ground for stability. i place the pipe so that the seam is on the side, not the inside or the outside of the bend. this causes the least deformity.

useful additional tools: bevel gauge to get the angle of the bend, protractor to measure the angle of the bevel gauge, spirit level to align pipe for subsequent bends, chalk/pencil or permanent marker to mark the pipe, wood to support the pipe, mallet to hammer the die off the pipe, spray on lube for the dies.

[LEXX]

Thanx N*A*M much appreciated mate. I'm going to be doing a bit of copying and a bit of old fashioned imagination for the front a rear bumper assembly and a bit of bar work around the front.

Thanx for the advice mate.

[N*A*M]

http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/PHP_Modul ... .php?t=845
http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/PHP_Modul ... .php?t=513

[bj on roids]

After reading about all the tube work you guys have been doing it has inspired me to start doing some of my own. I've just purched a 10 tonne tube bender and assorted jigs so I'm ready to give it a go.

LEXX. (Don't hold it against me just because I drive a Jeep )

WOW, thats a heavy tube bender, ummm, what sort of tube are you gunna be bending?

[Wendle]

WOW, thats a heavy tube bender, ummm, what sort of tube are you gunna be bending?

all the cheapies are 10 or 12 tonne!

[Wendle]

or if I have once again missed the sarcasm, they are probably about 40kg?

[bj on roids]

now im really confused

[N*A*M]

10 tonne is the hydraulic ram's lift rating i think. not sure if that is maximum or safe working limit.

[LEXX]

Yer sorry guys, it's one of the "mid" range benders. You're right N*A*M it's the hydraulic jack that is rated at 10 tonne. SO may have got the termanoligy a bit wrong.

Any idea on what these guys can handle tube wise?

[big red]

mine's a 12 tonne and bends 40mm steam pipe easily.
i also use a 6" piece of the next size up pipe slit in half and placed against the pipe so the outside rollers dont kink the pipe on the outside of the bend.
I've only made 1 roll bar though so i'm like you.
shane

[Cheezy4x4]

The bow and arrow type benders are cheep and do a fair job, but wont pass when making cages, chassis or buggy rears ect, as they crush the pipe/tube to much. Also making cages, chassis or buggy rears ect must be made out of DOM or cromolly to be passed in XRCC, and what I am hearing other events will be starting to take on XRCC's regs re: tube type and bends.