I just picked up a new NE5 tubing bender (the upgraded version of the Model 3 bender), and an 1.5", 5.5 CLR die, from MTech supply in Mesa. WooHoo :clap:
I plan on building a 6 or 8-point internal cage for my new 88 XJ project. I am confident in my fabrication skills, as I've built my own steering, suspension and pretty much everything else on the 2 XJ's I've owned, as well as all the welding on FlexyJoes rockkrawler coilover kit, and numerous little jobs for friends.
The problem is I've never touched, or even seen a bender in action before.
I'm pretty sure I know what I want the end result to look like (placement of spreaders, etc...), and I'm pretty sure I know what I need to do to build a safe roll cage (lots of trianglation, mounting points, etc...).
What I'm looking for is any tips or tricks anyone might have for me about measuring, bending, cutting or notching, or any other info that might be helpful to me, or others who may be looking to do the same thing. With the cost of steel these days, I'd like to keep waste to a minimum.
Thanks,
Rick
I plan on building a 6 or 8-point internal cage for my new 88 XJ project. I am confident in my fabrication skills, as I've built my own steering, suspension and pretty much everything else on the 2 XJ's I've owned, as well as all the welding on FlexyJoes rockkrawler coilover kit, and numerous little jobs for friends.
The problem is I've never touched, or even seen a bender in action before.
I'm pretty sure I know what I want the end result to look like (placement of spreaders, etc...), and I'm pretty sure I know what I need to do to build a safe roll cage (lots of trianglation, mounting points, etc...).
What I'm looking for is any tips or tricks anyone might have for me about measuring, bending, cutting or notching, or any other info that might be helpful to me, or others who may be looking to do the same thing. With the cost of steel these days, I'd like to keep waste to a minimum.
Thanks,
Rick