So, I'm thinking about buying a tubing bender to build my own cage. Maybe I'll bend and weld some roll bars up for the locals to help offset the cost, too. I'm looking between JD2 and Woodward Fab. Woodward is a couple hundred dollars cheaper (bender, stand, dies), plus available from Summit with free shipping. Dies are all 120 degree setups. JD2 has 90 degree and 180 degree dies, with 180 degree dies being the recommended purchase. Anyone ever do any side by side comparisons? Both seem like decent units. I've read a couple of reviews from Woodward customers that mentioned components bending or breaking, but Woodward stepped right up and shipped out replacement parts ASAP, no repeat failures.

I bought a Jd2 model 32 for the shop.... Granted I'm not a fabricator, my buddy is. He actually runs the fab shop for DSR. According to him, the JD2 is pretty dang impressive and far better at repeating and set up then the unit they have at work. I know that's not what you were wanting exactly for an answer, but hope it helps.

This is mine, its more talented then I am, I am satisfied for what I know, and have nothing to compare it to.

http://shop.pro-tools.com/products/hydraulic-tube-and-pipe-bender-302-one-shot

I think JD Squared has been around a lot longer. HOWEVER, if you look at their website there seems to be a waiting period for most stuff - like its made-to-order. Do you want to wait two weeks when you need a die ??

I love JD2. Built many go minibikes and go karts from their most-basic unit.

I have a JD Squared Model 3 with a hydraulic conversion that we engineered and built ourselves. Purchased in the early 90s and would not consider anything else except for maybe an upgraded machine from JD.

We have used this machine for 1.75 4130 down to .75 thin wall stuff. This machine makes smoother, nicer bends than some I've seen on high end stuff (think Top Fuel). Our hydraulics are very controllable and it's fairly easy to get things bent exactly as needed. Different bend radius and sweep angle dies available for all sizes. My big dies are 90 (actually about 100) degrees with the smaller sizes being 180s. That tooling is where you get money tied up. Steel dies instead of aluminum and are easy to re-polish if needed. All parts and dies are still available, nothing has gone obsolete. And it's made in the USA.

Maybe I'm missing something, but I expect anything that would do a nicer job than this would have to be a high dollar production machine. We had a machine like the "One Shot". Got rid of it after one job. Bought this and never looked back. Like any tool, the more you use it, the better operator you become. You have to learn how to make things mirror image working from a centerline, multiple bends in a piece and keeping it from having a twist (main hoops), compound bends (A pillar bars), fitting, working with springback of different materials, the math and formulas, etc. Expect to waste some material along the way.

JD2 all the way

I have the JD2 model 32 with hydraulics. It is a very nice bender. I have 5 dies and have never purchased more than 1 at a time and they always come with in a week of order...

I, for one, know very well that when jumping into anything new, there is always a learning curve. Tubing thrown away after making different bends isn't a "waste". It is helping me learn to make the best cage possible for my car, and maybe others. It seems that the JD2 unit is the big winner, hands down. Are there any other sources for purchase besides factory direct that might offer discounts? Any Moparts members a wholesaler for them?

I have a few more dies but never had to wait when I needed one.

I had the JD model 104(they dont make it anymore) with
the air over hyd... if you plan on bending moly get
the hyd unit... with out it you will kill yourself trying
to bend moly..... I built a lot of stuff with it.. all my
dies were 120*... sold the whole thing about a year ago
(after I got done with the Rampage)

I borrowed one from a member here. Jeff loaned it to me for a year lol. That's how I built my Avenger

JD here, can't remember which one but it has the big pins. I pull it manually with 4130- 1.625 tubes, and have no problem. MOUNT IT SOLID and don't forget the degree wheel. Not to hard to bend back if you go to far. READ their instructions.

This die tip can save few bucks
http://www.yellowbullet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=46937

Thanks, Hessu. Good to know, will save some big bucks.

I have a JD2 bender also. I ordered all my stuff on eBay. No real discounts on any of it, but the dies can be found in stock on there.

If you are new to bending, look at the www.pirate4x4.com site for tips on bending. It will save you a lot of time, and wasted material.

Jeff

I did that trick on a couple of sizes.. I actually stacked 2
tubes into each other to get a smaller size tube in.... one thing
that guys need to know... lube the dies with grease so it will
slide
EDIT
This is another tool you will need when bending for the
rotation

What is that called Mike? I NEED one. What I have done has worked, but that is a must have.

Jeff

its just a inclineometer... any place that sells bending
equipment has them... put it on the tube and while its
still
in the bend(just back off the spring back then zero it..
then move the tube to the next bend location and rotate
the tube to what you what... like on a main hoop it will
be zero the whole time

I usually just use a digital level for doing main hoops to keep them from twisting, but that tool would be perfect when you want to have twist, like the A pillar bars. I have it saved in my eBay searches now.

Thanks for posting that.