Tubing Bender Question for Boardtrack Builds

[Onlybackroads]

Hey everyone, I am wanting to pull the trigger on a tube bender, but can't quite decide on what to do. I was going to get a JD2 with a 1" die, but the biggest centerline radius they offer is 5.5" and it's $260 just for the die! I am building motorized boardtrack racers, and want to start making authentic looking drop loop frames. They seem to be at least 6" centerline radius, and as much as 7" to 9" just from guessing at old pictures. I then thought about the Harbor Freight tubing roller, but have heard that it has some kinking issues.

Here's a picture of some of my builds, all with stock down tubes.

Thanks everyone,
-Sean from: www.flyingfeetautocycles.wordpress.com

 

[LukeTheJoker]

Make sure you are not mixing up radius and diameter. A frame with a 9" radius loop (18" diameter) seems huge! I am not saying you have it wrong, that just seems excessive!

Luke.

 

[Onlybackroads]

No, you are totally right, I suppose I should learn geometry before building motorcycles! Haha, whoops... I feel like an idiot! Okay, well I decided to make a hardwood die anyway instead of buying the jd2, even now knowing that they would have the right die, so that at least I'll save some money for now. Thanks for the wake-up call LukeTheJoker!

 

[jj256]

Some times, going old school is best. If all else fails, get a blow torch and have fun/