I've had my heart set on the JD2 model 32 until yesterday when a new bender was shown to me. Now I'm not sure.


JD2 model 32

http://www.jd2.com/p-67-model-32-bender-manual.aspx

New bender, Rogue Fabrication

https://www.roguefab.com/product.php?id=2



Anyone have experience or info on either? Pros vs cons?

 

I've only used a JD2 out of those so I'm no help. I use a pro-tools setup that me and a couple buddies split.

 

While I have never used the RF bender, they state you need to weld it together yourself, no big, just something to keep in mind. I myself have a JD2 M32, and absolutely love it, and after trying several "economical benders" before I purchased my JD2, I wish I would've just waited and got the JD2 when I had the scratch. You get what you pay for. And, if you want to go air-over-hydraulic, SWAG makes a relatively low cost adapter, as well as a pretty cool digital angle finder setup, makes the reading of your angles sooo much easier than the glorified coat hangar degree marker.

 

personally i like the pro-tools 105hd.
i was indecisive at first, but am happy i chose the 105.

 

I almost got that one too, but was able to get a slightly better deal on the JD2....they are practically the same, and SWAG makes the adapters for them as well, if you are so inclined.

 

From my understanding the RF bender is 4.5 clr, which I guess is a tad tight.

Which may push me into the jd2, but I'm not sure if it bends to 180*.

I haven't looked at the pro-tools, so I'll look at it today.

 

Rf comes with your choice of a die set. They have a 4.5 and 6" clr for most and I believe something in the 5.5 area for 1.75

 

The JD2 has dies that will do 180*, on a 5.5 clr....I agree that 4.5 does sound a bit tight. I got the 1.75" 180* die with the 5.5 clr, not one ounce of regret. The pro tools is a nice bender, just get in touch with the people at both companies and talk to them. See what they can do, let them know you are looking at other benders, maybe they can sweeten the pot a bit.

 

I'm aiming for 5.5 clr.
So you can do 180* bends with the jd2 32? And the 32 is manual with the option to go powered? That may be the deal sealer there...seems like they both are very similar in many ways, but the 32 is cheaper, the die set makes it just as much as the RF.

Welding the plate is fine by me lol. My Hobart 210 needs to get used anyway.

 

Oh, and I think I read the RF only misshapes the tube by 10% on the tighter 4.5 clr bends. Not to bad, but enough ovaling to make me ask questions (obviously).

 

Yeah, you can do 180* bends with the JD2...and with minimal flattening. And you can get the manual bender to get you started, and get the adapter kits when you have the scratch. Here's the link to SWAG http://www.swagoffroad.com/
You can dish out around another $300 and get a pretty sweet setup when your wallet permits, LOL

Oh, and once you get your bender, you won't have any problems with using that welder, LMAO

 

That's the plan. A BUNCH of young Jeep guys around me with plenty of time but not tons of cash. Hopefully I'll be able to get some fab parties going. They bring materials and some beer, we go to town! Lol

 

Another item to consider... I don't know how comfortable you are with software, but one of the other things I got to go with my setup is Bend-Tech Pro. You can design your projects on your pc/laptop, and see them in 3D space. It also allows you to print templates to cut and notch your tube, gives you finished weight, etc., etc. ...here is their link
http://www.2020softwaresolutions.com/prod04.htm
Even if you aren't that savvy, it is pretty easy to pick up if you spend some time with it, and will result in lower material waste, as well as have repeatable results. Well worth the scratch.

 

Gee oh dee - Thanks for posting. We're glad you are considering our bender and doing some research.

93XJLI is right welding ours together is a drawback, but with manual benders you still have to mount them to the ground or convert to air/hydraulic and make a cart or base, so you have some work ahead of you no matter what tool you choose.

Both benders are very well made and will last a lifetime, so most of the decision comes to preference on horizontal/vertical, manual/power, and future die cost considerations.

If you choose to go with Rogue, you will have the best customer/product support in the industry.

-Rogue Fabrication

 

Wow, I wasn't expecting you to join and post here. That's awesome!

I'm a bit taken back. There isn't much else I have questions with, so I should have a decision very soon!!