Model 32 Tube Bender Manual

The Model 32 Tube Bender is essentially a super heavy duty version of the Model 3

However, when we initially designed it in the mid 1980's it was a mechanical bender targeted at racecar builders who wanted an affordable bender which still produced high quality bends. Hydraulics wasn't added until years later.

Fast forward 25 years and builders have changed gears. Now, rock crawler builders need to bend 2" o.d. x .250" wall dom tubing and thin wall tubing is now more common than it was back then. We knew the basic principle of the Model 3 was near impossible to beat so the answer was to simply make it better. The Model 32 is the result.

Differences between the two benders are: Frame strength has been more than doubled and the 7/8" diameter 100,000 psi alloy pins were upgraded to 1 1/4" diameter.

A die locking mechanism was designed that both helps bend thin wall tubing as well as very heavy walled tubing by preventing the die from relaxing when not bending. Springback is the #1 cause of wrinkling thin walled tubing. The Model 32 has been designed for mechanical or hydraulic operation from day one. Its hydraulic swivel block rotates on the cylinders true center axis thereby eliminating side load on the ram during bending. This greatly extends the life of the cylinder. A one piece steel ram yoke with quick disconnect pin is now incorporated as well. An anti- springback ratchet is now included free with the bender. This allowed us to design a new ratchet lever system with more than a 20% reduction in bending effort. Geometry of the bender itself was altered to take better advantage of the new generation 3 followbars thus yielding better bends.

Drive link bolts and sleeves sizes have increased from 1/2" diameter to 3/4" to handle the extra load.

RUGGED ALL STEEL CONSTRUCTION

Designed with durability and affordability in mind. All parts are 100% CNC machined. The frame links are machined from 3/4" thick steel and the drive links are made from 1/2" thick cold rolled steel. Compared to the Model 3's 7/8" diameter pins the Model 32 utilizes extra large 1 1/4" diameter 100,000 PSI alloy pins to handle the tough bends. Fast change bending dies are CNC machined from solid steel billets and carry a lifetime guarantee against breakage. Steel dies eliminate the problems common with other manufacturers' aluminum dies, such as breakage and groove spreading when bending 4130 chromemoly tubing.

LARGE CAPACITY

Bends round tubing and pipe from 1/2" to 2 1/2" O.D. and square tubing from 1/2" to 2". This bender is rated to bend 2" o.d. x .250" wall DOM steel tubing. Also capable of solid steel up to 1 1/2" diameter.NOTE: To bend round tubing over 2" o.d. x .120" wall, square tubing over 1 1/2" or solids over 1" diameter requires hydraulics.

*DIE SETS SOLD SEPARATELY*

EASY OPERATION

The Model 32 uses a high-ratio ratchet mechanism to allow you to bend larger tubing sizes comfortably without assistance. For example, the average operator can bend 1 3/4" x .095" wall round mild steel tubing with one hand and 1" x .065" wall tubing with ONE finger. Dies can be changed in under 30 seconds. Bend times are typically in the 30-60 second range for 1" O.D. and above tubing using the ratchet mechanism. Hydraulics may be slightly slower or faster depending on the power unit chosen.

HIGHLY ACCURATE

With the degree indicator wheel standard on every Model 32, accurate bending is simply a matter of watching the pointer until the degree of bend you desire is reached. High contrast yellow markings on a black wheel provide excellent readability while bending.

DEGREE POINTER

Standard on every Model 32 is a quick adjust degree indicator plate. Simply loosen the lower nut, rotate the degree wheel to zero degrees and using finger force only, tighten in position.

DIE LOCKING MECHANISM

Standard on every Model 32 is the die locking mechanism. As the die rotates while bending the drive holes in the forming die pass under the lock pin. When the drive hole is below the lock pin, it drops into the drive hole and when pressure is removed from the bender the die's rotation is locked at that position. When bending resumes the ramp machined into the lock pin will automatically lift the pin out of the drive hole. This mechanism combined with the included anti-springback ratchet allows the Model 32 to better bend thin wall tubing as well as the heavier sizes of tubing such as 2" o.d. x .250" wall DOM tubing.

36" TELESCOPING HANDLE

Included free with manual version of the bender. The new design has twice the bearing area of the old style for longer life and provides ample leverage for tube sizes up to 1 3/4".However, if more leverage is desired for tougher to bend applications, you now can simply obtain a longer piece of standard 1" schedule 40 pipe and insert it into the ratchet lever. Comes standard with a pull pin so the handle may be retracted out of the way when not in use saving valuable floor space.

NEWLY DESIGNED GENERATION 3 FOLLOW BARS - They are half the weight of the older style and utilize bolt-on inserts that are on average 243% stronger. Insert pads are machined to within 1/1000th of a degree to the theoretically perfect angle for optimum bend quality. Inserts are made from a non-galling bearing material to prevent scratching of expensive material. Delrin inserts are also available for use with aluminum. A roll pin holds the follow bar in position while loading tubing. With over 600 hours in R&D and tooling preparation, we are confident these are the best die sets on the market today.

Hydraulic Version

CENTER PIVOT HYDRAULIC CYLINDER - The hydraulic swivel block rotates on the cylinders true center axis thereby eliminating side load on the ram during bending. This greatly extends the life of the cylinder. A one piece steel ram yoke with quick disconnect pin is now incorporated as well.

HYDRAULIC Model 32 Bender Includes:

1. Bender

2. Degree Plate

3. Cylinder

HYDRAULIC Model 32 Bender does not include a pump which will need to be purchased separately. We offer both air/hydraulic and electric pumps.