Anybody got a suggestion of the best place to buy a pro tools manual pipe bender? They are flipping expensive with 3 sets of dies so a small percentage difference makes a big change in cash!!!

cheers

Nat

I imported my own but it was still expensive, if you do decide to import your own don't bother with the handle or stand, get them made locally or do it yourself, the handle for instance is a 3 foot long 2 by 1 box section I can provide the dimensions both items

I notice pro tools now have a uk agent
http://www.stakesys.co.uk/department/pro-tools/

Cheers
David

yea, that's where I was looking as they are only a few miles from me, just wondered if there was anywhere cheaper (I usually get the old "why didn't you get it from here" thing after I buy something!! )

I have a set of plans to make your own version of it.

I seem to think that I got them off someone on here, they are labelled "chopper builders handbook" and are pretty good PDF Plans with a guide to assembkly at the end.

Seems easy to make as there are basically 5 pieces of flat bar, 4 just need drilled and assembled with bolts and bushes, the fifth is the ratchet which can easily be machined or possibly waterjet or laser cut.

The bender is compatible with JD2 or Pro tools 105 dies.

You're more than welcome to a copy if it helps

could you email me a copy of it and i will host the file for everyone to download?

cheers ash

i have sent you a pm with my email address

Hi

As with others we brought the dies ect and made the hydraulic benders to suit our own applications.

Has to be said though that on the products we have brought from them it always worked out to be the cheapest option buying direct from them. Very pleasant and helpful company to deal with.

Cheers Matt

The plans for the pro tool manual bender are available to download free from the pro-tools website. You will still end up buying the dies from them, unless you have a lathe big enough to turn your own!

Regards
Hugh

I think the plans on the Pro-Tools website are for the HMP200 version rather than the 105 (Both seem to come highly recommended.

AshG I will send you the plans from home sometime later tonight

quote:

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Originally posted by hughpinder
The plans for the pro tool manual bender are available to download free from the pro-tools website. You will still end up buying the dies from them, unless you have a lathe big enough to turn your own!

Regards
Hugh

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plans sent Ash

All I ask in return is that you make me one of every conceivable sized die in your monster lathe (you also supply the materials BTW)

Regards

Frank

[Edited on 26/5/09 by fatfranky]

[Edited on 26/5/09 by fatfranky]

[Edited on 26/5/09 by fatfranky]

quote:

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Originally posted by ashg

quote:

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Originally posted by hughpinder
The plans for the pro tool manual bender are available to download free from the pro-tools website. You will still end up buying the dies from them, unless you have a lathe big enough to turn your own!

Regards
Hugh

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it just so happens that i have a big lathe although im currently lacking the 3phase supply, but i hope to have that sorted soon

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quote:

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Originally posted by mr henderson

quote:

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Originally posted by ashg

quote:

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Originally posted by hughpinder
The plans for the pro tool manual bender are available to download free from the pro-tools website. You will still end up buying the dies from them, unless you have a lathe big enough to turn your own!

Regards
Hugh

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it just so happens that i have a big lathe although im currently lacking the 3phase supply, but i hope to have that sorted soon

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I daresay that would be possible, but will needs some interesting jigs and fixtures

John

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Turn the main die, weld the lug on after? You'll need a real mans welder though!

Hugh

the lug is welded on after