Bender Stand - First Project with MIG welder

[Kludge]

Hi All,

This is the first time I’ve posted on the WeldTalk forum.
I've been reading this forum for some time and would like to thank all of you for the helpful information, Project ideas and humorous discussion. Someday I hope to be able to add to the useful knowledge on this forum.

I’m a hobbyist fabricator who hasn’t built anything of note for almost 30 years.
I’m trying to dust off my fabrication skills and learn some new welding skills.
I learned to weld using an Airco Buzz Box as a teenager.

I just purchased my first wire feed welder (Miller 251) and I’ve completed the welding on my first project:
A stand for a JD2 Model 4 tubing bender.

I didn’t have any plans, I just used the SOP method (Seat Of the Pants) and plenty of head scratching.

Bender Stand Front_mhr.jpg

Bender Stand Side_mhr.jpg

Bender Stand Back_mhr.jpg

First Bends_mr.JPG

[Hotfoot]

I lust for your bender!! Beautiful stand...but doesn't it want to follow you around the shop when you're really pulling on a thick piece? I see the feet, but are they enough??

[wrenchbender]

Welcome Kludge and that's a nice stand you built. And from looking at your work I think you have a lot to offer on this board.

[Kludge]

Hi Hotfoot,

The feet are to level out the die. The previous ower of the shop put extra effort in making the shop floor unlevel.
The Hydraulic cylinder and pump provides the bending force. In operation, the air-over-hydraulic pump (setting in the tray for the photo) would be on the floor and the black hose attached to the cylinder. The pump is powered by my Air Compressor and I just use my foot to control the pump. My shop is too small to bolt down a manual bender.

I will admit that you need plenty of room for the end of the tube you are bending to swing around.

[stihl036]

.....The Hydraulic cylinder and pump provides the bending force. In operation, the air-over-hydraulic pump (setting in the tray for the photo) would be on the floor and the black hose attached to the cylinder. The pump is powered by my Air Compressor and I just use my foot to control the pump. ...........

Welcome to the site. Great Bender stand you have there. Could you please provide some more information on the bender?

Initial cost? Die costs? Air/hydraulic cost? How long did it take you to do each of those bends? Does it do 180's in a single shot?

I have always wanted a tubing bender and yours looks like it works great!

Thanks

WW

[Sundown]

Very nice work, I have a bender but its nothing as nice as yours ... well maybe after Ed McMann visits my house ... You are sure right about the loving and supportive wife who understands the need for good tools (new Miller Plasma cutter for evidence ), sure make life more fun. I see you have a Thermal Arc 185TSW, how do you like it so far ? several of the members here have one it seems. Oh yeah, welcome to one of the two best web sites on the planet, the other one is Ask Andy on www.millerwelds.com

[cope]

Excellent first project. I wasn't a teenager, but my first welder was an Airoc also. Great little welder.

[storts]

Hi All,

This is the first time I’ve posted on the WeldTalk forum.
I've been reading this forum for some time and would like to thank all of you for the helpful information, Project ideas and humorous discussion. Someday I hope to be able to add to the useful knowledge on this forum.

I’m a hobbyist fabricator who hasn’t built anything of note for almost 30 years.
I’m trying to dust off my fabrication skills and learn some new welding skills.
I learned to weld using an Airco Buzz Box as a teenager.

I just purchased my first wire feed welder (Miller 251) and I’ve completed the welding on my first project:
A stand for a JD2 Model 4 tubing bender.

I didn’t have any plans, I just used the SOP method (Seat Of the Pants) and plenty of head scratching.

Bender Stand Front_mhr.jpg

Bender Stand Side_mhr.jpg

Bender Stand Back_mhr.jpg

First Bends_mr.JPG

Fantastic job on the stand!!!!!!! stihl036 asked the question i was going to ask,,,Wyoming sent me a set of plans that he drew and built,Another Fantastic Job on his also!!!!!!!After the new shop goes up,thats the next on the list!!!
PS, Great sig line,,,sure makes it a heck of alot easier!!!!!!Welcome again,and i agree with everyone,,You sure havent forgot to much,and have alot to offer,Thanks for the great Pics,Jack

[monkey-1]

Nice work and great equipment!

[DUMB_HUNTER]

and it seems like it wouldn't break the bank either.

[Kludge]

....Initial cost? Die costs? Air/hydraulic cost? How long did it take you to do each of those bends? Does it do 180's in a single shot? ....

Thanks for the welcome stihl036

The bender is a "Model 4" by JD Squared and they have a nice site with prices, pictures and a video http://www.jd2.com.

The current price for the bender w/air-hydraulic pump (no dies) is about $1500. Most of the tubing die sets range from $115 (1/2 inch round) to $295 (2 inch round) each. Dies for diameters greater than 2" jump to over $400 each

Mine is an early version that was made back in 2002, that had never been assembled or used. (long story for another day )

I actually didn't time how long but I'd guess 30 to 45 seconds for a 180. It is not a one shot, you have to retract and move the ram's push block on the big teeth about 4 times.

There are many good benders out there. I particularly like the way this one works in that the forming die is pulled around the center die. I think it makes it easier to determine the start of the bend and I know it makes it easier to add more bend to piece you didn't bend enough

If you are willing to forgo the hydraulics (or make your own hydraulic conversion) you could start with a Model 3 from JD2 or a Model 105 from Pro-Tools for less money.

[Kludge]

You guys are sure being nice to me

... I see you have a Thermal Arc 185TSW, how do you like it so far ? several of the members here have one it seems....

So far I really like my TA 185TSW and the price at the local welding supply house during their last “Welding Show” was a good deal (I try to spend locally).

I’m not too good at TIG welding so far, as I’m still in the early learning stages. I have appreciated the various picture based discussions on this board as that has helped me also. I did surprise myself by successfully welding a broken High-Carbon Steel wood gouge by using stainless filler.

[stihl036]

Thanks for the welcome stihl036

The bender is a "Model 4" by JD Squared and they have a nice site with prices, pictures and a video http://www.jd2.com.

The current price for the bender w/air-hydraulic pump (no dies) is about $1500. Most of the tubing die sets range from $115 (1/2 inch round) to $295 (2 inch round) each. Dies for diameters greater than 2" jump to over $400 each

Mine is an early version that was made back in 2002, that had never been assembled or used. (long story for another day )

I actually didn't time how long but I'd guess 30 to 45 seconds for a 180. It is not a one shot, you have to retract and move the ram's push block on the big teeth about 4 times.

There are many good benders out there. I particularly like the way this one works in that the forming die is pulled around the center die. I think it makes it easier to determine the start of the bend and I know it makes it easier to add more bend to piece you didn't bend enough

If you are willing to forgo the hydraulics (or make your own hydraulic conversion) you could start with a Model 3 from JD2 or a Model 105 from Pro-Tools for less money.

Thanks for the info and the link! Any chance of you posting up some video of you bending some tube? I have never seen one in action.


WW