I'm on the verge of buying a tubing bender for roll cage construction. I have done the search on this forum, and read what I could find. I have read the online reviews, the pro's, the con's, etc. of the various designs.
I am planning to buy a JD Squared Model 3 bender, and 1 die set to get me going. This seems to be a pretty standard bender. I don't want anything "oddball" that I might eventually have problems finding parts for. This is for a basic roll cage construction in my '84 Rampage. Any and all records I have my eye on are all less than 175 mph at present.
The first issue is whether to use 1-5/8 or 1-3/4 tubing. The rulebook states minimum 1-5/8" tubing with nominal 0.120 wall. However, I have also heard (maybe true, maybe not) that inspectors would prefer to see 1-3/4" tubing. Although there is no requirement in the rulebook to use 1-3/4" tubing, what are people's thoughts on this issue?
The second question is which set of bending dies to get. I don't see a need for greater than 90 degree bends, but then again, I'm new at this. The cost of a 180 degree die set isn't too much greater than the cost for a 90 degree set. Is there a reason why either a 90 or 180 degree set would be preferred?
Third - what about the radius of the bends. Are there places in a cage where a 5" radius would be needed, as opposed to a 6" radius? I assume that a 6" radius would generally be stronger in service, and easier to bend without distorting the tube.
Anyway, I'd appreciate input on the tubing diameter, 90 vs 180 degree isssue, and the radius question.
Thanks,
Steve M.