Bending tubes

May 12, 2005 4 Replies

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V8TR4 21 years ago

I am considering doing a go kart kit. I actually want to build a kit, even though I can probably be better off buying it already made. I want the joy of building it myself. I am looking at some plans that use 1.5" and 2" .090 wall mild steel round tube. I will need to be able to do some basic bending to these tubes. What are some cheap ways of doing this. I was considering a conduit bender. The kind you get from home depot for 30 bucks or so. Would that work for a one time project not needing too many bends?

Harborfreight has some pipe benders,and I know that means 2" is not 2", but is there some way to use one of these seemingly cool hydraulic pipe bendres they sell?

this will be a one time deal, so I'm not looking for anything professional, but I'm looking for any suggestions.

Thanks

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Tom 21 years ago

Obviously your choice of materials means you are determined to improve on the rigidity of your TR chassis? :-)

Tom

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Alex H. Sallwey 21 years ago

I have one of these benders. I have only used it on black pipe and it bends well. With mine I have to use it sitting vertically, or just somewhat tilted, but could not use it laying flat. Not sure why, but no hydraulic pressure. This is only a problem when bending long pipes, I was putting a couple of bends in a 2" x 21' pipe. Sitting vertically I could only make a few inches of bend before the ends touched the ground. You will be doing shorter lengths so you probably won't encounter the problem I had.

professional,

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RoyJ 21 years ago

The hydraulic pipe benders will kink that thin wall tube even if you can get a shoe that will fit your tube tightly.

For a > I am considering doing a go kart kit. I actually want to build a kit, even

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habbi 21 years ago

Try a muffler shop, my local one does bends for me in 1.5" aluminum sch. 40 pipe for 5 bucks a bend. One of there shoes may fit your tubing.

professional,

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