MODEL 3 TUBE BENDER
Assembly & Operating Instructions
1-800-841-1133

Page 3

 

DEGREE POINTER INSTALLATION
Current production forming dies are made to accept a degree pointer. This is supplied as a straight piece of
3/32" copper coated steel rod. The illustration below shows the pointer installed on the forming die. You will need
pliers and a wire cutter to fit the pointer. First install the die set into the bender, preferably with a length of tubing
installed also. On the backside of the forming die's die block, you will see a thin groove with a washer and bolt
installed next to it. Using the illustration below as a guide, bend the wire pointer to fit, making sure it clears the
U-strap and drive links. Allow approximately 1/16" clearance above the degree markings. Notice we've placed a
small bend in the pointer's lower end so that it aligns with the degree markings. This makes it easier to read when
bending. When you are happy with
the fit, tighten the pointer lock bolt to
secure the pointer onto the forming
die. The pointer should be left on
the die even after the die is removed
from the bender. When storing the
die set be careful not to bend up the
pointer. However, this is just
common 3/32" copper coated TIG
welding rod, so if you do manage to
mangle, damage, decimate,
disfigure, batter, hurt, mutilate, warp,
destroy, lose, smash, wreck, maim,
ravage, sabotage, trash, demolish,
vandalize, incapacitate, ruin,
obliterate, cripple, (... deep breath
...) spoil, break, annihilate,
brutalize, make inoperable, or
otherwise extinguish its very
existence, just visit your local
welding supply to get a new one.
 
 
Model 3 Tube Bender Hydraulic Adapter Assembly (NOT INCLUDED!)

Adapter Components: Excluding the hydraulics:
Hydraulic Swivel Block
Yoke
Threaded Extension Rod
Clevis Pin

 

Recommended Cylinder:
Enerpac RC1014 or the O.T.C. (Power Team) Part# C1014C or an equivalent cylinder. These porta-power cylinders are rated
at 10 tons and have a 14" stroke. On the front of the cylinder is a 2 1/4" x 14 TPI thread.

 

Recommended Power Unit:
We offer several hydraulic pumps suitable for the Model 3 Bender. However, any power unit may be used that has an output
of at least 1500-2500 PSI. The average bending pressure will generally be below 1300 PSI. Tested examples: 1 3/4" x .095" mild
steel - 800 PSI, 1 5/8" x .083" 4130 chromemoly - 1300 PSI, 1 1/2" solid round bar stock - 3100 PSI. Note that the air-over-hydraulic
10,000 PSI pumps deliver less volume and therefore bend slower than the air-over-hydraulic 3,000 PSI pumps. A pressure gauge
is highly recommended. If the bender is operated at a pressure higher than 2500 PSI the followbar pin may bend. This pin has
been designed to be the bender’s weak link and therefore acts as a warning indicator of over loading. In other words, if you bend
the followbar pin, STOP BENDING IMMEDIATELY. For safe reliable operation do not operate the bender at pressures above 2500
PSI.

 

Assembly:
Remove the outer 3/4" bolt, sleeve and ratchet assembly from the bender’s frame. Notice that through the hydraulic swivel
block is machined a 2 1/4" x 14 TPI thread and a slight shoulder. The shoulder should face away from the drive links towards
the rear of the cylinder. This will allow the cylinder to be screwed all the way flush with the swivel block's front. Place the previously
removed 1" OD sleeve into the cylinder swivel block. Using the 3/4" bolt, nut and washers, install the Swivel block into the bender
as shown above. Screw the hydraulic cylinder into the block as far as it will go or until its front surface is flush with the swivel block's
front surface. The quick disconnect fitting on the rear of the cylinder should point down towards the ground to relieve stress on
the hose. If it does not, unscrew the cylinder out of the swivel block until it does, but no further.
If the cylinder has a stud installed into the end of its ram, it must be removed. This will expose a threaded hole in the end
of the ram. Screw the Threaded Extension Rod into the cylinder's ram until it bottoms out. Now, screw the Yoke onto the threaded
rod until it bottoms out. Rotate the swivel clockwise (to prevent it from unscrewing off the threaded rod) until it may be slid onto
the outer 3/4" drive link sleeve as shown above in figure 5. Install the Clevis Pin through the Yoke.
Hook up the pump and hose. Extend and retract the cylinder several times to purge air from the system.

 

 

 

Page 1

 Page 2 Page 3  Page 4