Selling my Smittybilt bumper combo and want to take a minimal tube bumper approach to shave some weight. I have looked at some of the designs in this forum and have an idea on what I want but do not have bender. Looking for recommendations on something. Manual is fine. My main concern is deforming (flattening) in the bend.

 

IMO, this is your best bang for your buck.

https://www.roguefab.com/product/tub...one-die-set-5/

$645 for the bender and a die set. Can't beat that with a stick.

You just have to supply your own air/hydraulic cylinder.

 

I will have to agree here...I personally have a JD2 M32, and love it, but it is higher in price. The RF bender was just new on the scene when I got my bender, and there wasn't much feedback on it, so I went with what had a proven history.

I may even get the RF bender, and have 2, LOL....

 

Thanks for the replies. Yikes... although I would like to own that piece of equipment this is something I'm going to use once so not looking to spend that much. Might need to look at having the bends done by a local shop.

 

Yeah, it isn't inexpensive. However the RF bender is much lower cost than my current setup, I easily have double that into mine. I did the air over hydro conversion, and digital readout from SWAG Offroad. But I got a rear bumper out of it, and have used it for some side work, but I also plan on tube doors and a cage of some kind, at some point. Soon. LOL

 

I shouldnt say I would only use it once, more like I cannot merit that amount of $ for as little as I know I would use it. Initially used for bumpers then probably seldom to never. Besides that amount uses up my budget of $800 that Im getting for selling my smittybilt front and rear bumper.



For reference.. the rear Smittybilt Bumper for XJ with Tire Carrier is 235 pounds before you throw a tire, jack, full jerry can.
Smittybilt front is 120 pounds without a winch. For $800 I need to be able to built a front a rear tube that weigh less than that. Possible ? Im going for weight reduction over brute strength but obviously I cannot throw strength to side completely. Recommendations on what size tubing to use ?

 

I wouldn't go any smaller than 1 3/4" .120 wall.

 

You can purchase prebent tubing and weld up what you want a lot cheaper than buying a bender for a one off bumper .

 

Another option would be a DIY kit...not sure who, if anyone, makes a DIY tube kit though...

Start calling some local fab shops too. You may find there are several options nearby, that are willing to help for not much coin.

 

http://www.t-mfab.com/store-3/bumpers/ here are some diy pre bent tube bumpers for a pretty good price.

 

Definitely an option. Thanks for the link.

 

I just ordered one of these last week. Expect tomorrow Fed-Ex.

 

I was about to order one but that price is with the 4.5" CLR die. I asked them about it and they said you will see a visible flattening in the bend. The 6" CLR would fix that but its another $150.

 

Hmmm, looks like the price has gone up.

It used to be the same price for either die.

 

So I have decided to order the Rogue Fab Bender and then sell at reduced price after I use it for this one job. I have it listed in Misc Buy Sell Trade if anyone is interested. Will save buyer about $200.