I plan to build a cage similar to
Moti's. I have decided I'm probably better off getting a bender of my own. There are a few options out there but I'm having a hard time deciding....
Affordable bender ($300 with a die)
Pros
Don’t have to build it
Cheap
Affordable dies ($100- $150 per)
Cons
Bends up to .095 DOM or .134 HREW
Bends limited to 90 degrees
Small selection of dies
Gottrikes plans ($20 + supplies, it’s common to spend $300 to complete + dies)
Pros
Pneumatic/hydraulic
Bends 180 degrees
Bends up to .120 ???
Virtually unlimited number of dies available (uses same dies as ProTools 105)
Don’t need a stand to be bolted to the floor
Cons
Dies get expensive fast
Slow, I have to build it and it would seriously sidetrack me from the locost
Seems to be similar price as JD2 or ProTools 105 when finished (plus labor)
JD2 or
ProTools 105 ($300 plus shipping)
Pros
Don’t have to build it
Unlimited dies available
Bends up to .120
Lots of support, no worry about if I build it right or milled my holes perfectly (don’t have access to mill)
Cons
Dies get expensive fast
Have to figure out a stand and bolt it to the floor, and a handle
Not hydro (doesn’t really bother me)
I will need a 1.5 inch die. (not sure on a good radius yet???). I would like a 1 inch die to do the rear of the car's body panels but since it's only a couple bends it's probably not worth buying the die.
I would prefer not to build it because I get sidetracked easily and I want to try and stay focused on the car. Right now I'm leaning toward the JD2 or ProTools to make sure I have something that will do a good job and last, it's just hard to swallow the price tag on those dies when I only have a couple thousand to spend on the car in the immediately foreseeable future.
Anybody got anything else to add? I will update this post with more info...