Tube Bending: WOW - this is Cool!

rambos_ride

I was just watching MuscleCar on HorsePowerTV ~ while drinking a beer and swearing, and scratching my...dogs head (sorry, it's a guy thing )

They where installing a custom rollcage in a Comet and using some PC software to enter dimensions of the cage hoop you're working on and it spits out the correct pipe length and marking points for the correct bends - based on the dimensions you input!

I got online and the software is actually not too badly priced, I might just need to buy a software package to have for my builds - I wanted to build a custom cage for the 49 and this will take a lot of the guesswork out!

http://www.bend-tech.com/products.htm

Now - If I could just afford a good Mandrel Bender :mad:;)

bent metal

DANG IT! Slept in today, missed the show. Thanks for the information, already added it to my favorites, and my "someday" list.:D

Unknown

WOW ! A program like that would have saved me a world of time, back when I was building my own racecars!

[Deleted User]

ive run into this one while perusing a local race shops tool range. for production work it would be killer.

if you want to learn notches the really old fashioned way (before even tube notchers) i can fill you in..... haha

rambos_ride

Wes - what where you using to build the cages back then? What kind of welder?

Unknown

I used plain old black pipe from a metal salvage yard, a Lincoln "crackerbox" welder, a saw's-all, and a 4in grinder to make the notches. I had a local muffler shop put the bends in for me. Simple, but very time consuming.

rambos_ride

wkitchens wrote:

I used plain old black pipe from a metal salvage yard, a Lincoln "crackerbox" welder, a saw's-all, and a 4in grinder to make the notches. I had a local muffler shop put the bends in for me. Simple, but very time consuming.

Wes, thanks for sharing!

Just think, with the software package, MIG welder, notcher, and tube bender how much easier that process would have been - well, if not easier - a little less time consuming!

Ol racer

FYI



I built sub frame connectors (Similar to type available for Camaro & Firebirds) to tie my '51 Hudson Cpe sub-frame back to the rear spring 'eye' mounts for spot to weld a roll bar. Then I had a local Speed Shop bend moly tubing into a hoop above & behind the seat down to the 'connector Tubing'. I also ran 2 diagonal pcs rearward into the trunk for more stability. I could send you the Hoop measurements to simplyfy if interested..