Tube bending.

[fomoco51]

Ok probably a stupid question. So I've got a piece of scrap tubing thats perfect length to start my rear axle truss. My question is I need to bend it at about 35° in the center. How do I figure center? The die is 1.75 180° 5.5 radius. Do I split the difference of 5.5 or add the difference of the tube as well. Reason I ask is I cant spare much on the ends.

[mustube]

A 35 degree bend on a 5.5" radius is 3.36" of bend at the center so mark the center of your tube and measure half that distance to both sides of that center mark. This gives you a 3.36" long area right in the center of your tube. One end mark should be the start of your bend and the other will be the end.

[ChaseTruck754]

Assuming the bender is new to you?

Typically you have to use a scrap piece & mark where the bend actually starts vs. where the edge of die is on the tube. Meaning, the bend doesn't start at the edge of the die & you need to know where the bend will actually start to place the tube in the bender correctly. Guys who use the bender enough know this measurement kind of off hand, but others have notes or cheat sheets reminding them.

There is actually a pretty decent article on tube bending on I think it was Pirate4x4 that goes over this. A google search should pull it up.

[fomoco51]

Not new. Just havent used it in a while and lost my cheat sheet. And have never had to bend something exactly In the middle. Plus haven't used it a hole lot before, just built a few bumpers and my engine cage.

[fomoco51]

So mustube split the 3.36?

[fomoco51]

Never mind I fingered it out.

[mustube]

Yeah. I had a second post typed up to clarify but then dinner was ready.

[Hauls Assington]

Since I just went through this, and ruined lots and lots of tubing, keep in mind that the pumpkin is not exactly in the middle of your rear end, and one axle tube is longer than the other. So you don't actually want the bend right in the middle, it needs to be about 3 inches to the right.