Sealey / Clarke Benders

[Seano]

I know at least a couple of people on here are using the above mentioned benders, and am sure some pics have been posted, but would anyone like to remind me of their opinions on them and any pics of work produced using them

 

[cumbriasteve]

I read a fair few posts regarding them and was about to buy one on a VAT free day but got lucky and found a miracle bender at give away price.

The reviews seemed to suggest they were well capable of what they are designed for, there was also a couple of posts showing a conversion that aided repeat quick bends.

 

[breezer]

Happy with mine

 

[Rodeo]

I have a machine mart bender (probably the same,and re labelled) I bought it specifically to build a erw tube chassis for my trike. I had no probs at all with it ,and its very handy .

 

[Dev]

I made this with mine, just for the practice really. Just need to roll a hoop for round the top.

 

[chunkolini]

Roll a hoop?
Dont forget a circle is in effect a series of small bends.
Get a piece of strip and put very small ends every 30-40?mm, make the bends and there you have a circle. Trick is to keep the bends very small and consistent, can you rig up some kind of stop on the lever?

 

[Dev]

I tried to do it in the way you suggest and just couldn't get it smooth enough. I have a thing to use as a roller, I just need to knurl it - it just doesnt 'grip' the material well.

 

[stuvy]

iv got one too took ages to get the hang of it, its really infuriating when you do two or three bends then bend it the wrong way

aametalmaster or bob ceiling trains made a great mod to his just using longer bolts

 

[Dev]

I did the same thing myself

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/album.php?albumid=1349&pictureid=7554

 

[stuvy]

I did the same thing myself

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/album.php?albumid=1349&pictureid=7554

nice one, i take it the pins on the base pull out take it off the bench?

 

[Dev]

Exactly yeah. If I had a lathe I'd make some nice turned pins for them instead of 4 bits of 12mm round bar with a 90 degree bend.

But I don't have a lathe. And I don't need a lathe. Definately not.

 

[Angusdog]

^^^ That's what everyone says just before buying a lathe...

What's the point of the longer pins and the formers on top? Can you do tighter bends? I have a brand new bender sitting in my workshop waiting for me to find some time.

 

[Dev]

When you've got awkward or tightly shaped pieces it makes it easier to lift them straight up and off.

The pins cost me the price of a box of tunnocks tea cakes so no reason not to really.

 

[Superbad]

I tried one trying to bend 2" tube

Not good for such large tube

 

[stuvy]

yeah there not really made for exhaust type stuff superbad!

 

[breezer]

Its not tube bender...

Anything with a hollow section will deform as its not got formers to stop the material deflecting.

I do use mine to bend box section but only about 30 degrees. Even then the sides are starting to flare out.

 

[Superbad]

yeah there not really made for exhaust type stuff superbad!

I know now,I've sold it on. I know I need a 16 ton hydraulic one,finances don't permit right now.

 

[Big Pete]

I know now,I've sold it on. I know I need a 16 ton hydraulic one,finances don't permit right now.

That won't bend 2" thin wall tube very well either, the formers are sized for pipe, (2" pipe isn't 2"OD) and they don't offer as much support as tube bending formers. It's possible to buy (or make ) tube dies and followers for Record plumbers/conduit benders which will do a decent job on up to 11/2" OD, but 2 might be stretching it. I had to put a longer handle arrangement on mine.

 

[stuvy]

That won't bend 2" thin wall tube very well either, the formers are sized for pipe, (2" pipe isn't 2"OD) and they don't offer as much support as tube bending formers. It's possible to buy (or make ) tube dies and followers for Record plumbers/conduit benders which will do a decent job on up to 11/2" OD, but 2 might be stretching it. I had to put a longer handle arrangement on mine.

what he said but i wouldnt waste my time or money with a record as there at there limits and the deflection when bending wont make it accurate.

you need to treble your budget and look for a second hand tubela hp3r or look on ebay as loads come up really cheap.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251110249697?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2648

I know a lad who got a 16ton bender and rolled some sheet at his work to act as formers it still kinked the tube even with loads of modifications

 

[Seano]

Only interested in solids chaps, so looks like a purchase to me......