Hello-
I finally got my tube (pipe) bender in the mail ($100 from eBay, like the Harbor Freight benders). I know I shouldn't use a pipe bender for tube, but I know people have done great things with them. I tried to bend the metal I have and it buckled (of course). I've heard of people using sand to fill in the holes so it won't buckle, but that sucks. I was thinking that I could use the proper size pipe, bend it, cut off a little section, cut that in half, then set that in the pipe die to fit the tube (inner diamater of pipe=3/4", outer diameter of tube=3/4", get the idea?). What do you think? I know the best idea is to get a REAL bender, but I am a poor college kid who can't afford it. Is there some easier way? What has anyone else done in my situation other than sand? Thanks!


and don't worry, I'm not making tube frames or rollbars...I'm just making the frame for my soft top.....

 

Search Pirate...tons of how to do this on there.