Tube bender Dies

[KrazyKarl]

Hey, I'm ordering a JD2 tubing bender and have enough saved up for 3 sets of dies. I am curious, from you experiance, which 3 sizes would be the most all around useful? My first projects will be bumpers, sliders, and a cage.

 

[I Lean]

1.25, 1.5, 1.75.

Unless you have access to one or more of those sizes already, then delete one and add a 1".

 

[RockMonkey]

Get 180 degree dies, and the smallest radius available.

 

[lewis]

Don't really see why you would need anything other than the 1.5 and 1.75 for cage bumpers and sliders. Any other die would be a waste of money IMO.

 

[Shawn]

I agree on the 1 1/2 & 1 3/4 dies. There have been a few times that I wish I had a 1".

Get the two dies and the get the tubing notcher.

 

[Milner]

I agree with Carl and Braden, except I'd add 2" for full size rigs. A 1.75" prerunner bumper just doesn't look right on bigger rigs. I still like to use 2" on cages in EB's and cruisers.

 

[Vector OffRoad]

You also might want to consider getting an angle finder to help keep your bends in plane. These things will save you a lot of time, frustration and wasted material. here is a link to one.http://www.bii1.com/benders/angle-finder.php

 

[Steve]

1.25, 1.5, 1.75.

Unless you have access to one or more of those sizes already, then delete one and add a 1".

Agreed. I use the 1.75" and 1.5" the most, but use the 1.25" for cage grab handles and such.

 

[wrangler]

Wheres the best place to buy tubing?

 

[RockMonkey]

Wheres the best place to buy tubing?

Marmon Keystone, if you can meet the minimum.

 

[Corban_White]

Marmon Keystone, if you can meet the minimum.

I've gotten much better prices at EMJ.

 

[KrazyKarl]

Well, I ordered the bender. I got a 1.5 die with a 4.5 center radius and the 1.75 die with the 5.5 center radius. Both will bend up to 180. I decided to get a notcher instead of a third die. Now I just have to wait for it to get here in the mail. Thanks for all the input

 

[I Lean]

Good call! Which notcher did you choose?

 

[KrazyKarl]

I ended up getting the "notch master" from jd2. It looks like it should get the job done.

 

[Herzog]

Excellent choices Karl, you won't be disappointed.

 

[Shawn]

Well, I ordered the bender. I got a 1.5 die with a 4.5 center radius and the 1.75 die with the 5.5 center radius. Both will bend up to 180. I decided to get a notcher instead of a third die. Now I just have to wait for it to get here in the mail. Thanks for all the input

Wise...