JD2 Model 3 questions?

[atvkid4eva]

Hey guys i'm going to buy a bender here soon and the jd2 model 3 seems like the best bang for the buck. I want to use it to make a tube bed for my ranger,sliders and bumpers. The dies are very expensive so i only want to buy ONE. What would be the best die for me to purchase so i can bend the three things listed above? and do i want a 90 degree or 180 degree die? Any other info would be great. thanks!

 

[crawlin91]

I would get a 1.75 x 5.5 CLR x 180 die. 90 degree dies are a waste of $ as a 180 will do everything a 90 can do and more.
1.5 tube is a little small for some things which is why I recommend the 1.75".
I use a shot of white lithium grease on the backing block for lube, works pretty good.
You should also read Billavistas Tube Bending 101 on Pirate, it should get you started.
http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/bendin_tube/

 

[railman]

I would go with what Crawlin' said....

but, you could use a 1.5 die....but by all means whatever you get, make sure its a 180....

Greg ( 97TrailrigDD ) did all his tube work with 1.5 and I think it looks pretty good, and functions well on the trail....

l8r, John

 

[86 slo-vo]

i have the jd2 m3 also. works great. i bought 1" and 1.5"

 

[COPPERHEAD85]

^^Nice work!

 

[railman]

^^Nice work!

Chad, you need to come up to Turkey Bay this weekend and see it in person

l8r, John

 

[86 slo-vo]

It ain't worth walking across the street to look at lol

 

[4x4junkie]

1.5" and 1.75" are the two most common sizes people use for tube work on 4x4s.

WHat I've noticed is those more into the rock-buggy theme (and those with full-size trucks) gravitate toward the 1.75", whereas more casual/recreational wheelers with smaller vehicles are using the 1.5".

I would say if all you're building is a tube bed and stuff for your truck that will still see some street time, 1.5" should be fine (the tube is of course a little cheaper too).

And ×3 on the 180° die, a 90° is liable to leave you hanging on some bends.

 

[atvkid4eva]

Thanks guys!!

 

[atvkid4eva]

Okay, so I'm going to order a JD2 Model 3 and a 1.5" die..what is the best CLR to get for building a tube bed,bumpers,sliders? Gonna order today. Thanks guys.

 

[4x4junkie]

IIRC, mine's a 5.5" CLR, which was perfect for building my cage. Maybe for bumpers a 4.5" might work better, though I can't say for sure (I built my bumpers from box tubing).

 

[atvkid4eva]

Thanks again junkie!! gonna order a 5.5.