DIY Dies for Mini Universal Bender (AKA Shafts)

This video shows the do-it-yourself fabrication of replacement and custom round dies (shafts) for your mini universal bender. Using techniques defined in this video dies can be made with just a drill press and a couple of handle tools.
The 1/4" x 2-1/2" dowel pin used in this video was purchased from McMaster-Carr item number 98881A552. Other diameters are available from them.
Notice of Disclaimer
The author of this video is not a professional engineer nor has he had formal training in the design or operation of the project. The author is an amatuer but has been successful in building and operating the project discussed herin.
The methods that he used and dscribes are presented merely as guidelines for other amateurs in developing such project. The project can be dangerous, and dangers have been pointed out whenever possible. Since the author is not a professional in this field, there may be other dangers involved in building and operation of this project.
The author hereby disclaims any liability for injury to persons or property that may result while using these videos, and the author does not intend by this presentation to explain all dangers known or unknown that exist in the building and operation of this project.

[@tartanrambo]

This is a great video tutorial. Originally, I got a little nervous because I thought you were about to head off to a lathe. Who's got one of those, unless you are a serious metal worker (with a large workshop). But, God Bless you, you thought about us simple folk and made the pin die using a drill press. In my eyes, this makes you a real man amongst men! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and greetings from Glasgow, Scotland!

[@buildItplace]

Thank you for your comments. I thought about using my lathe to drill that hole but decided to use the drill press instead because as you said not everyone has a lathe. In my future videos I will try to use basic equipment that most hobbyist own.

[@Dellpodder]

Nice video! I just ordered one of these benders and I'm eager to get started bending. I'm happy I stumbled upon your channel in the meantime.

[@buildItplace]

Thanks for your comment. You may find yourself putting too large of metal stock in this tool and bending the shafts as I have done in the past. You can find various diameters of the pins at McMaster Carr.

[@Dellpodder]

What would you say the limit is before the shafts bent? I did some 3/16" steel round bar this afternoon and it seemed to handle it without any issues.

[@buildItplace]

I don't know, but my best advice is to watch the shaft closely when bending to see if the shaft is also bending if it is then you are at its maximum capacity. Remember as you use smaller diameter shafts, their capacity is less. Thanks for commenting on my channel a enjoy using your new bender.@@Dellpodder

[@tomt9543]

I got one of these last year and it kind of reminds me of the Chinese mini lathes! It’s ok right out of the box, but a little time spent tweaking things results in a much improved bender! One of the most glaring deficiencies from the minute I put it together was the handle. It drooped noticeably, and caused it to make uneven bends! The hole for the pivot pin was too large, and the flat bar the handle was made of was too thin. Both things coupled together made the handle an extremely sloppy fit, so I cut the block off the handle and welded it back on a thicker piece of stock, then drilled a proper sized hole for the pivot pin. Massive improvement! It’s easy to make custom tooling for these also! I’ve always had a fascination with metal benders, and my collection includes everything from this mini bender up to a Hossfeld #2 (the holy grail of manual benders!). Keep on makin!

[@buildItplace]

Thanks for the reply. I wish that I had the Hoofeld #2. I ask Santa for the Harbor Freight Compact Bender this year. I plan to make more videos of the projects in my shop.

[@tomt9543]

@@buildItplace The Hossfeld #2 has been in production since the early/mid 1920’s! Years ago I sent them the serial number off of mine and asked them if they could tell what year it was manufactured, and they couldn’t pinpoint it, but said early 1930’s for sure! And they still make them today! My first bender was a Shop Outfitters compact bender, a shrunk down version of the Hossfeld - very pricey but an excellent machine, although Harbor Freight stole Shop Outfitters design and started selling their own model, and SO quit producing them! I have the HF one also, but it’s rough in many aspects compared to the SO original. The compact bender is ripe for building custom tooling just like the mini universal! I recently made a rod eye bending attachment that mimics the Hossfeld eye bender tooling. It’s all neat stuff! You just have to prove to the thing that you’re smarter than it is! Ha! Looking forward to your next video!

[@buildItplace]

@@tomt9543 Thanks for all of the additional information. It does seem like you know alot about these types of benders. I have plans to present more videos of a diverse selection of items.

[@homemadetools]

Nice job. We shared this video on our homemade tools forum this week 😎

[@buildItplace]

Thank you

[@Don_gt]

Se puede comprar por linio

[@buildItplace]

Do it yourself only, sorry.