Bender die

[f1race79]

I found this one time but can't find it now.

I bought a tubing bender couple of weeks ago and now it is time to get die for cage.

I am using DOM 1.5 .120 tubing, going with the 5.5 die.

The question I have is; should I go with the 90 or 180 degree die?????

The 180 is about $30 more.

Is the 90 easier to work with?

I was thinking if I built bumpers or maybe a tube frame later the 180 would be the one to go with but we are noobies with bending so if the 90 is easier to use maybe we should go this route??

 

We are building a 240Z cage.

It is a SD2 model 3 bender.

Any feed back would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Edited January 17, 2010 by f1race79
more info

[johnc]

Please get the rule book for the sanctioning body you intend to compete with. There have been some changes in the road race world regarding tubing OD and wall thickness.

 

In general for a road racing style roll cage you don't need a bend past 90 degrees for a S30. For some imports and newer model cars a a 105 degree bend is needed on the door hoops but you'll be OK with a 90 on the 240Z.

[f1race79]

John, thanks for the info.

 

What I would like to know is,,,,,since I know nothing about benders yet, is the 180 degree die any harder to work with than the 90?

 

Thanks,

Julius

[johnc]

Not any harder. You just need to stop and move the pins a few more times to complete the 180 degree bend. It sometimes gets a little difficult to remove the tubing from the bender/die when you've bent past 120 degrees.