Thread: Tube bender tool?

Looking for advice:
What's an economical tool that can do 90 degree bends in 12 or 13mm steel tubing, wall thickness around 1.5mm.
The bend radius should be about 50mm.
There are various tube benders available, but not sure which ones are overkill or not up to the task.

TIA,
Jordan

I have one of thees that appears to be heavier duty then the similar one Hare & Forbes sell
https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/been...ion/1098914266

If you really need I can go measure the radius of the 12mm / 1/2inch bending dies, it's just in the storage shed so would need to get it out...

Check out youtube. Lots have made their own. Simple ones from using a couple of small rims off purchased bunnies wheels to complicated set ups. I have one of those pipe benders that form up roll cages for race cars etc., ok for big pipe with thick walls, useless on light gauge tube, scary forbes sell tube formers an sure you could make one a lot cheaper though.

DD

Originally Posted by MasterSpoon

I have one of thees that appears to be heavier duty then the similar one Hare & Forbes sell
https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/been...ion/1098914266

If you really need I can go measure the radius of the 12mm / 1/2inch bending dies, it's just in the storage shed so would need to get it out...

Sure, thanks.
That's similar to a type I've been looking at. The advert mentions it's a tool for plumbers - for copper tubing? Steel isn't mentioned, so I'm unsure if it's OK for steel tube.
It the tool all steel, or are some parts aluminium?

There's another, much more substantial type, called a compact bender: HAND MANUAL FLOOR TYPE COMPACT BENDER WITH SCROLL BENDING ATTACHMENT

This could be overkill, and I'm not sure it would do a nice bend in 12/13mm tube. Could be it needs a suitable die, not supplied but I could make one if that's all it needs.

Originally Posted by Dingo Dog

Check out youtube. Lots have made their own. Simple ones from using a couple of small rims off purchased bunnies wheels to complicated set ups. I have one of those pipe benders that form up roll cages for race cars etc., ok for big pipe with thick walls, useless on light gauge tube, scary forbes sell tube formers an sure you could make one a lot cheaper though.

DD

Thanks, but a bought tool is preferred. You have no idea how lazy I am.

The cheap plumbers copper benders have worked fine for me on the 13mm steel tube from bunnings.

I guess it could work with thin walled tube, but 1.5mm could be too much?

A mate of mine wanted to bend some tube in his pipe bender, he put compression springs in where the bends were required. It stopped the crushing.
Kryn

Just went to the shed and did a measure, 12mm die is about a 60mm radius
The one I listed from Gumtree is also available through their ebay store
Multi-Purpose Pipe Bending Bender Tool Kit Plumbing Refrigeration Heavy Duty | eBay
also available from other sellers
Manual Bench Mounted Tube Pipe Bender metal steel copper bending workshop bends | eBay
You will note that one mentions ideal for mild steel Ø10-25mm, wall thickness 0.8-2.0mm. (and also confirms that the 12mm one is 60mm radius)

The only thing I don't really like about it is the shaft the small counter rollers run on is threaded and I think it would be better if it were smooth, one day I might get around to making a replacement one but works fine for now

When I was looking to buy one I looked at the Hare & Forbes equivalent (says it will only do 1.2mm mild steel tho)
https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/T055#
I ended up going with the other one tho as it was heavier duty, appeared better made and the range of die's were of more use to me.

The next step up is really something like the JD Squared or a clone but it's a BIG Jump in price
JD Squared Tube Benders & Notchers Australia

Don't even consider the hydraulic pipe benders, you will kink that tube in an instant, might as well just put it over your knee...
Although I do have one of these https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/P064 that I custom made a die set for 25mm / 1inch square tube and it does 1.6mm and 2mm nicely, haven't had the need for thicker so have not tried but am sure it would work

If your real lucky someone near you will have one you can try some of the exact pipe on and see, if you get really stuck post me some short lengths (or can see if I can get some locally) and I'll set mine up and do some bends and post some pics

This might give you an idea on sizes
http://www.orrconsteel.com.au/produc.../circular-pipe

Thanks heaps for all the suggestions.
I think the Multi-Purpose Pipe Bending Bender is what I'll use.

Cheers,
Jordan