Which path to follow

[ScottsMojo]

I'm currently in the process of mentally designing some nerf bars for Schwag and I have come to a fork in the decision making road - do I invest in a pipe bender or use weld el's to fab my bends, etc? Initial investment would suggest the weld el's, but I am leaning towards a hyd pipe bender for all the obvious reasons.

Any opinions one way or the other?

[Stuka]

I am not sure how structural the weld els are. As far as I know theya re typically used for building exhaust and such.

Do you intend on using these as rock sliders, or for looks and/or steps?

[ScottsMojo]

Steps, not sliders. When God created earth, he forgot to put any rock in Alabama...

The more I think about it the more I am leaning towards a pipe bender. But still undecided.

[rstep]

Are you looking at a tubing bender or pipe bender,they are different? A good benmder goes along way,the price up front for die sets is killer 300-400 each but well worth it in the end.

[ScottsMojo]

Sorry, should have clarified. I am looking for a pipe bender. 400 for dies???

[rstep]

So you are looking at a pipe bender,and bending pipe for your steps.or just using the elbows they sell to do your corners correct?The el's may work okay don't know how they will hold up to hits but they are easy to weld and thick,did alot of hand rail with them.

[ScottsMojo]

Yep, thinking I will be pulling the trigger on a pipe bender in the near future. I've used weld els before on a set of nerf bars for a power wagon and they held up just fine but I like the idea over having control over the d of b that the bender will allow.

So, any suggestions for a reasonable non-junk pipe bender

[The PIG Smith]

Having worked in plants before, I know there are schedule 40 elbows that are weldable
I do not know if you are wanting to use material that heavy for a step.

Also, maybe check into a Che*y or F*rd step and see if you could modify how it mounts to the frame of your FSJ.

[ScottsMojo]

Also, maybe check into a Che*y or F*rd step and see if you could modify how it mounts to the frame of your FSJ.

Those are FIGHTING WORDS!!! =))

I've thought about modifying a set of "off brand" tubes but I haven't made it past that. I keep an eye on the local list.org but haven't seen anything reasonable that wasn't chrome.

I think I just need to break down and get a tube bender and be done with it!

[bigun]

Unless youare gong into fabricating fulltime I would suggest finding somebody local to do the bending for you.Tubing benders are not cheap!

[hutcho]

Get the Bender. Next thing you know you will want tube bumpers, doors, a cage, exoskeleton, the list goes on...

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