Could I bend my own pipe with this?

[PewterBird]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...818480363&rd=1

Are these any good? I would like to be able to fab up my own bends for a catback. Would this be a good addition to a collection of tools.

[BLLDOGG]

it would definalty save you money but you wouldnt have the all mighty mandrel bend in it.

[BirdMan8507]

mandrel bend is essential. I wouldn't do it, but thata just me.

[PewterBird]

Originally posted by BirdMan8507:
mandrel bend is essential. I wouldn't do it, but thata just me.

Assuming the difference between mandrel bending and non mandrel bending is that the diameter of the pipe is consistant through out.

Is mandrel bending all that big of a deal. How much does it restrict flow? Is it really worth the exta money?

If I need "X" amount of flow and I know that a 2.75" madrel bent pipe will flow that. Wouldn't it be reasonable to assume that a 3" non mandrel bent would be equivelent.

Im not trying to prove that I am right, but rather
investigate the difference.

I kinda think this mandrel bending isn't worth more than the ability to say "I got a madrel bent 2.75" catback" when in reality it is no better than a standard bent 3"

[BLLDOGG]

actually from what i have heard. the decretion is alot more than just .25". i have heard on a 3" pipe it takes off atleast an inch but who knows

[hou-tex-six]

This will simply put a dent in the middle of the pipe to bend it, as opposed to stretching the metal to bend it. Will it work? Probably... Id say depending on what you are gonna use it for it might be worth it to you. I honestly think people make too much out of the mandrel bend stuff, but thats just my opinion, again depends on the application. Just to make a catback then probably be most cost effective to get some 180's and just fab it up that way.

Cp

[AllTheGoodNamesAreGone]

IMO buy mandrel bends from jegs they are cheep.. those benders do a pretty piss poor job IMO..

not to mention did you notice that even if you win the bid for $99 its that plus $99 shipping..

thats like $200 for that turd.. that a whole f*ckload of mandrel bends..

[BLLDOGG]

yeah, you could buy some good mandrel bent pipes for that much. i put my exhaust together for only 200. not including headers and cat. all together. my exhaust cost about $600. thats muffler, pipes, cut-out, cat., headers. o', tips made it allitle more