Metal parts bender, set up and use. Clarke CCB1B, Harbor Freight, Sealey, others

Got myself a metal bender - it’s the Clarke CCB1B bench mounted model and in fairness I quite like it.
But I found the manual to be a bit lacking so I thought I’d set out to try and explain it. Let me know how I got on!
I now have a ko-fi page so if you feel my videos have helped you and you’d like to donate the price of a cup of coffee you can be of assistance to the creative process! All funds go towards new equipment: ko-fi.com/oldmanwith
If you want to buy one you can pick one up on Amazon on this link amzn.to/38jzwmY
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
And so that makes this video an advert, just so you know
Questions or comments? Put them below or on “ask a question” on www.oldmanwith.com and I’ll try to help
I've now added a blog post to answer a few of the questions:- www.oldmanwith.com/post/the-c...

[@andrewcombs6150]

I sure wish you would make some more videos on this. You taught me more in a few minutes than hours in the manuals.

[@oldmanwith]

Thank you Andrew, I have some more planned, I’m just struggling to find the time to make them 🙄

[@tenspeedtears]

Yes I agree, very thorough!! Thank you!

[@oldmanwith]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@SteveBraithwaite]

This is one of the best explanation videos I've ever seen. Thank you and well done.

[@oldmanwith]

Thanks Steve

[@micknolen]

Thanks for posting. This is the only time I've ever seen that sharp bend attachment explained so I could understand it.

[@oldmanwith]

Thanks Mick, I appreciate the comment

[@mikeoneill5239]

Fantastic Tutorial!!! Especially liked the alternate camera angles.

[@oldmanwith]

Thanks Mike, appreciate the feedback 👍🏻

[@dakotamax2]

The absolute best explanation of the flat bend attachment I have found.

[@oldmanwith]

Thank you 😊

[@adlerarmory8382]

This oldmanwith takes the time to not only explain the proper tooling component set ups, he shows the machine being set up then operated from both the overhead view as well as from the left hand side. Cheers!

[@oldmanwith]

Thank you for the compliments 😊

[@DavidR8]

Thank you for producing an intelligent explanation of how to use these benders!

[@oldmanwith]

Thank you :-)

[@alexandrelidon2868]

Finally finding a good video not in Russian explaining the subtlety of that machine. Easy to understand even for a French like me. Thx a lot. waiting for the next one ;)

[@oldmanwith]

Thanks Alexandre!

[@michaeldaniel-ck7pq]

Just started using a "Klutch #49681' bender which is an exact match. This video cleared up all confusion! As another person said this is one of the best explanation videos I've ever seen. Thank you.

[@oldmanwith]

Thank you Michael, glad it helped!

[@winkworkshop]

What a spectacular tutorial video. Thanks for taking the time and giving multiple angles to see the work and uses. This has been a huge help to me

[@oldmanwith]

Thank you ☺️ Glad it helped

[@billybop90]

Thank you for taking the time to film, narrate, produce and share this wonderful tutorial on the usage and applications of this tool.

[@oldmanwith]

Thanks Bill for the very complimentary comment 😊

[@jimkoile762]

One of the best descriptions I've seen

[@oldmanwith]

Thank you Jim, comment appreciated 😊

[@augustomail01]

Thanks a lot! Clear explanation and better than regular manuals

[@oldmanwith]

No problem! Thanks for the comment 👍🏻

[@torstenhansen4308]

That was excellent, thank you for taking the time to make this video. It helped me a lot.

[@oldmanwith]

Thanks!! ☺️

[@rolfmuller4738]

Was für eine geniale Einführung in die Anwendung.

[@oldmanwith]

Thank you Rocki 👍

[@PaulThomas-qo9vy]

Thanks, that's the best bender demonstration with explanation I've seen yet on YT.

[@oldmanwith]

Thank you Paul 👍🏻

[@dnebun]

Thank you for the effort you've put and for a very good explanation! 🤝👍

[@oldmanwith]

Thank you

[@colinw8867]

Best description and instruction I have seen for this tool, Thanks

[@oldmanwith]

Thanks Colin 😊

[@oldoldpilgrim7898]

I like the way you show procedures from more than one angle, set up the parts on top of the bender for clarity, had a camera set up to give a view from above, and used both hands on the bender instead of holding the camera with one hand and trying to set up with the other. Good video!

[@oldmanwith]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@jpagras]

Excellent video! Thanks, very well laid out and explained.

[@oldmanwith]

Thanks Peter

[@rowandecuypere]

Like everybody else in the comments - I thank you for undoubtedly THE most clear and concise instructional video pertaining to these benders. Thank you thank you thank you!

[@oldmanwith]

And thank you for the comment Rowan. I appreciate it 😊

[@joebob7344]

I just Purchaced a blender, your video will help a lot . I’ll be watching it many times as I learn something new each time I view the video. Thanks for the help

[@oldmanwith]

Thanks for the comment Joe, hope it goes well for you

[@simonwilliams3819]

Excellent video. I've just got my bender out of the box, and the manual has left me (polite mode on) scratching my head. Have now easily bend my first piece of steel. Great product.

[@oldmanwith]

Glad you found it useful Simon, thanks

[@router5840]

Without doubt the best tutorial on you tube.

[@oldmanwith]

Thank you for your kind comment 😊

[@lawrencepearson4362]

Fantastic explanation you are a natural communicator

[@oldmanwith]

Thanks Lawrence, I appreciate your words

[@jsulaicawesttexasbeekeepin9860]

Love the video. I have had a metal bender in storage for like ten years but just took it out and bolted it to the floor. Your video has really helped me out since i had no idea how to use it

[@oldmanwith]

Glad to have helped. I’m trying to find some time to do some more so hopefully they will help also. Thanks for the comment 👍🏻

[@CliffsShed]

Best explanation of this bender I have seen! ATB, Cliff

[@oldmanwith]

Thanks Cliff

[@curtbelshe]

Wish I would have had your video guide when I got my bender. Your clear instructions and great videography would have come in very handy at the time. Looking forward to that follow up video about how to make precise, repeatable bends.

[@oldmanwith]

Thanks for the comment (and the reminder that I need to do another video) 👍

[@michaelcline5702]

You taught me how to use my bender. Thank you.

[@oldmanwith]

Glad to help Michael, thanks

[@mtm101designs9]

Thanks for the demo, it is the best that I have seen.

[@oldmanwith]

Thanks! Hope it helped 👍

[@Chrisc9467]

Great video. Executed perfectly. I have ave learnt so much from this. Many thanks

[@oldmanwith]

Thanks for the comment Chris. Glad it helped

[@JIMMY916]

This is the best video about this machine i ever seen, and i've seen a lot.! Thank you!

[@oldmanwith]

Thank you Cosmin, I appreciate the feedback 👍🏻

[@christopherbeaulieu4942]

I'm subscribing because this tutorial was done extremely well. Very informative. The different angles are what everyone should do. You set a standard that should be followed. Thanks mate.

[@oldmanwith]

Thanks Christopher, I much appreciate the compliment.

[@skipwaelty3974]

Great job on the video. Very helpful and informative.

[@oldmanwith]

Thank you ☺️

[@cogentdynamics]

Really nice job on explaining! Cheers from the USA!

[@oldmanwith]

Thank you 😊

[@TheFlypress]

had one of these in my workshop ( use it for general free form bending} for years never until now realised what the square block and what I use as the stopper :) the spacer are actually meant for ...thanks for posting

[@oldmanwith]

Glad it was useful 😊

[@DJ-bc3qo]

Great Video, very good explanations and video for fine details. Very helpful!!!! Thank you

[@oldmanwith]

Thank you ☺️

[@davidallsup2375]

Great video. I'm glad to see that someone else has such a "efficiently" sized shop (i.e., SMALL)!

[@oldmanwith]

Haha thanks David, yes I’ve now got so much “stuff” I’m actually only able to work outside 🤣

[@davidallsup2375]

@@oldmanwith I get that!!

[@TheChristopherTowers]

Thanks for this video. Really helpful!!

[@oldmanwith]

Thanks Chris

[@dcbuzz]

Thank you. Well done! Very informative.

[@oldmanwith]

Thank you Dan 😊

[@fryscountrylifechannel4437]

Great video waiting for the next one

[@oldmanwith]

Thanks for the kind comment, having some available time challenges currently but hopefully more content in a couple of days

[@paulp96275]

Great the best demonstration of this tool thanks I now know what’s going on 👍👨🏻‍🏭

[@oldmanwith]

Thank you Paul 😊

[@MichaelBegelspacher]

Thanks a lot for this great video. 👍🏻

[@oldmanwith]

Thank you Michael!

[@ramshackle9876]

Brilliant! I bought one in Australia and the manual was worse than useless. Great explanation!

[@oldmanwith]

Thanks!

[@Jason-cm6uh]

Thank you sir. Very helpful!

[@oldmanwith]

You are welcome!

[@Cheshire-Coatings]

brilliant explanation 👌

[@oldmanwith]

Thank you 👍

[@stephendavis891]

Nice one thanks for that 👍 I watched this while scoffing me Chinese and it saved even looking in the book

[@oldmanwith]

Good to hear!! Thanks for your comment

[@slimdog72]

So good, thanks dude.

[@oldmanwith]

No problem, thanks for the thanks!

[@ericsaltonstall8573]

My reason for coming across this video is for $10.00 I bought a bender like this one, but on a tall base at the scrape yard without the small pieces. I will be using my bender much like you do but with my own modified small parts. Like hardened steel bolts for the pins. Not sure yet about the rest. Keep the videos coming. Thank you.

[@oldmanwith]

Hi Eric, yes there is a stand model available where I bought it, I just don’t have the space for a permanent install (of anything lol). Best wishes with your rebuild of your bargain!

[@davidburke6785]

Well done sir!

[@oldmanwith]

Thanks David 😊

[@David-sw3on]

What a well thought out Professional Video! Great Job; I learned a lot Thank you!👍😉🇨🇦

[@oldmanwith]

Thank you David 😊

[@OffGrit]

Hey thanks for making this video I've been a welder/fabricator for many years. I actually used to have a set of benders that were all specific to certain bends so each was its own tool. So when I bought this thing different version of this but same basic tool I was sitting there confused and thought to myself why the hell can I not figure this thing out and it's very frustrating thank God for KZbin because these instructions are absolutely worthless...😂

[@oldmanwith]

Thanks for the comment, yup exactly the same thoughts that I had when I got mine 😂

[@StephenWolver]

Excellent demo. I just bought one from the Canadian version of Harbor freight. No instructions included. Thanks.

[@oldmanwith]

Thanks Stephen, hope you get on ok with it

[@russellgeale5436]

Great video😎

[@oldmanwith]

Thanks, glad it was useful

[@iainmel1]

very well made (and necessary) explaination. I've saved it for reference, as I'm not likely to be bending that often. I have a project in habdnd involving garden furniture made of heavu 14mm steel rod. I want to be able to leave it outside all winter without losing it to rust. .

[@oldmanwith]

Thanks Iain, appreciate the comment, hope the project goes well 👍🏻

[@nicholasjheinz7461]

Good Video Paul.

[@oldmanwith]

Thanks Nicholas 👍🏻

[@waynegray6453]

Great tutorial, thanks NZ🇳🇿

[@oldmanwith]

Thanks Wayne, appreciate the comment.

[@VelvetCrone]

Hands down the very best how to use video on this bender! Thank you so very much. Did you ever get round to making the measuring tips video for this? If not, please consider doing it, I would dearly love to see it!

[@oldmanwith]

Thank you for your kind comment and a reminder of something I’d intended to do 😊

[@bell6446]

Please create that video. Your explanations will help all of us use the tools we bought effectively. Great content. These are good tools to have, but the manuals leave much to be desired.

[@kokeestigarribia]

Muchas gracias por la excelente explicación, realmente hay muy pocos videos en los que se explica bien el uso de esta dobladora, en este video se puede obtener información muy valiosa sobre el uso de la herramienta. Saludos desde Paraguay

[@TylerHarney]

Thank you!!!

[@oldmanwith]

No problem Tyler, if it helped then it did what I set out to achieve 👍

[@ericsaltonstall8573]

This is a great video! If all teachers taught like this, there would be no excuses for not knowing how to do things. The one suggestion I have is, instead of the side viewing (which I like) of the back of your hand, please place the camara on the opposite side so we all can see the pieces that are being moved while being described. Thank you for making real life, clearly usable, and thorough information. I can see a career in making videos showing how to set up and the potential uses of tools. And I think you have displayed the nearly perfect (camara angle?) informative audio video. If you don't make a tool set up and usage video series of home shop tools, please encourage others to do so in the style you have presented. By the way, I fix things for a living. Can't wait to see more.

[@oldmanwith]

Thank you for your hugely complimentary comments EricEric, I’ll work on your feedback which is really helpful.

[@messylaura]

i just ordered one of these from Machine mart yesterday, main reason was for the formers for using on a pin system hot forming metal, tool itself looks pretty handy cold.

[@VelvetCrone]

whoa. we might have to give it try hot! thanks.

[@tomt9543]

20+ years ago I bought a compact bender, pedestal ring roller and planetary ring roller from Shop Outfitters in the states. It was all made in the USA, not cheap, but all of it was, and is still, top quality stuff! A handful of years later, the Chinese copied every one of these three products, albeit with much less precision, and now Harbor Freight, Northern Tool, Grizzly etc. all sell clones of S. O.’s compact bender, but much cheaper. The SO benders came with a great instruction BOOK (not pamphlet) that had very detailed instructions including how to bend letters A-Z complete with dimensions! Some of those companies actually even pirated SO’s pages showing those letter patterns, but almost universally left out how to use things like the right angle attachment, the proper orientation of the stop block (it can suddenly break loose and spin violently when under pressure if oriented incorrectly!) etc.. SO also offered a set of scroll bending tools for the compact bender that included scale plastic drawing templates that exactly matched the scrolls produced by the bender! You could sit down and draw out your project to scale and know exactly how long to cut each blank, and what length to bend them to! It infuriated me to see SO get duped so bad, because they made a quality product and made them in the states! HF even copied the scroll bender for a bit, but evidently SO got that stopped. Your video is the first thing I’ve seen that can compare with the original owners manual, and you’ve done a great service to the thousands of people who have bought the knockoffs, but have nothing to refer to! Thanks for making it! Oh, and by the way, SO stopped making the compact bender years ago and moved on to bigger, more costly bending equipment!

[@oldmanwith]

Tom thank you so much for the huge compliment and the comprehensive history. To be fair, the "manual" on this one does have the pages on the letter making process but that's no damn good when it doesn't explain how to make the thing work!!! Precision definitely isn't something I'd say these later versions are capable of, I have some experience of working industrial kit like press brakes and sheet metal rollers and this thing is a loooooong way from them but for making brackets for stuff in my garage it's adequate. I've seen the scroll bender attachment for sale on ebay and the versions available look even less well made than the bender itself! I'll do a follow up sometime that explains some of the shortcomings of it and if you don't mind I'll mention some of what you've said.

[@tomt9543]

@@oldmanwith Thats fine! I’ve bent literally thousands of scrolls on mine, with no wear whatsoever on the attachment! SO also sold a scroll extender to make even larger scrolls, and it works equally well. I have used a couple of the knockoff benders and they’re totally adequate for most purposes if the user can figure out how to set it up correctly. One of my projects in the upcoming weeks will be to build an eye bending dog similar to the Hossfeld eye bending dog. If you’ve never seen that attachment, it’s well worth the time to search it on KZbin. I’ve got a Hossfeld #2 with this tooling and it’s probably the most used tool for me! It’s kind of interesting that SO got (understandably) angry when the Chinese copied their design, but in retrospect, SO stole Hossfeld’s design to make theirs! If you want/need pics of any of this stuff, or pages from the SO manual, let me know and I’ll email them. Have a great day!

[@spaceted3977]

I've just bought the Vevor, blue version of this Clarke Bender !!!! It looks like a fantastic Machine !!! It's difficult bending metal in a Vice using Panel beater dies to hammer the metal into shape !!!!

[@oldmanwith]

Hope it works out well for you 😊

[@iainmel1]

me too, I bought the Vevor, delivered in 4 days. and comparably priced with the chinese websites with like 3 weeks delivery at best.... and free delivery!

[@spaceted3977]

@@iainmel1 It's a Fantastic machine !!! I bought the small wire bending machine as well !!!

[@holgermessner851]

You saved me only looking how it get put together. Looking at the assembly plan included with the bender, I got thrown off - if you actually know how it should work. It’s actually the opposite way yours is put together. I did go nuts yesterday and was like - wait. Wasn’t there a video about it. 😅 The plan is worthless. - Now I watched it twice to figure out how to use it. I’m in Panama and will build a house. I will need some rebar squares for foundation and pole work. 1 square 4x4 cost here $9.50 each. If I make 10 I got already the money back for the machine. And I am sure I need around 100 plus pieces. Thanks for the good information!

[@oldmanwith]

Hey Holger, thanks for the comment and glad it helped. I think it’s actually possible to set mine up both ways around. Good luck with your rebar squares, 100 would make a great Timelapse video!

[@holgermessner851]

@@oldmanwith I installed it like the plan showed and I would had to jump on the work bench to use it. I installed it on a corner to have mor space available. So I took the base off and turned it a couple times but it wasn’t looking right. Until I checked on your video, took the base off again and fixed it tightly with my tools to the bench. Still the “fork” does not fit in. X Had to do other stuff today. Tomorrow I will figure out the rest. And I never make videos and very seldom pictures. And I know already what people will say when I move into my house. “No pictures? Mhmmm… Did you really build it yourself?…” I rather use my time building something.

[@Barnagh1]

Great video. I’ve been thinking of buying one of these, your demo tells me all I need to know, you communicate very well - from an old man in Ireland with too many tools already 😂

[@oldmanwith]

Thanks John, appreciate the compliments and ohhh yeah, too many tools I know what you mean on that 😁

[@Barnagh1]

@@oldmanwith Do you think this would work if bolted to a B&D Workmate, or would it move about when the force is applied?

[@oldmanwith]

I have a video that I need to make on that, I use mine on my workbench with an MFT style top (board with rows of 20mm holes in). Essentially it’ll come down to what you plan to bend with it / how much effort you have to put into pulling the lever arm round. If you’re only bending say strips of 1” x 1/8” then you’ll likely get away with just bracing the workmate with your foot on the step but if you’re looking to bend something heavier you’ll have to secure the workmate somehow. With my bench which is on wheels, for light stuff I just chock the wheels but if I need to give it some effort I ratchet strap the bench to a pair of eye bolt rawlbolts that are set in the garage wall..

[@Barnagh1]

@@oldmanwith Thanks again. It might make more sense to buy the one with a foot, and put four strong female Rawl fixtures at my shed door. I plan to bend 90deg shelf brackets etc so I will be applying a lot of strength and expletives as usual.

[@oldmanwith]

Good call if you have the space John. I used to work at a building college and we mounted all the pipe and conduit benders in exactly the same way. Very effective

[@we-are-electric1445]

Good video

[@oldmanwith]

Thank you 😊

[@samuelpeirce7878]

thank you for going through this because mine came with absolutely no instructions

[@oldmanwith]

Glad to have helped Samuel 😊

[@hubertrobinson8825]

I picked one up from harbour freight yesterday if you think your manual is useless wait until you see the one from harbour freight I'll start practicing with mine over this week end thanks for the heads up on how it works

[@oldmanwith]

I think practice is for sure the answer Hubert, thanks for the comment 👍🏻

[@marcblount79]

I think the manufacturers should sack the manual writers and ask you to do them along with video tutorials, well done!

[@oldmanwith]

Haha thanks Marc, appreciate the comment!

[@imadolaby1026]

SUPER

[@theprofessor3917]

Great instructional video. Is this bender suitable for bending rolled bar, say 4mm, to form intricate shapes to produce latches for cages?

[@oldmanwith]

Hi Professor, I think you might struggle with “intricate”. It’ll definitely do 4mm bar but if you’re looking to do something like a small hook that might be a problem. I’m imagining a traditional hook type latch in which case I guess you’d need maybe a 5mm or 6mm radius for the hook section? And that would be the difficulty because there’s nothing small enough to form that around. I’ll have a better look at it in the morning if I get 5.

[@KA0S-247]

Great video mate been looking for this type of tool for a while and your in-depth explanation has swayed me into buying THIS particular one. However do you know if it will bend a mild steel flat bar with dimension of 8mm thick 50mm width? thanks

[@oldmanwith]

Hi there, thanks for the comment, according to the manual yes but I've not done it myself. I've put a bit more info in a blog post here www.oldmanwith.com/post/the-clarke-ccb1b-metal-parts-bender

[@KA0S-247]

@@oldmanwith thank you, I appreciate your honesty and response.

[@oldmanwith]

No problem at all, glad to try and help

[@mrfodenman]

Superb but scary old man.........I bought one of these but yet to use

[@lyndonmansell351]

Great video. Any chance you know dimensions of the square block with offset hole ? The sharp bending die ( triangle) would be a little more difficult. Do you only use the one end ? Would be way easier to make. Both pieces missing.

[@oldmanwith]

Hi Lyndon, if you can wait a couple of days I’ll get you the detail. All sides of the block can/are be used, only one end of the triangle is used. If you go on my website and throw a question on the “ask a question” button I’ll email you a dimensioned sketch of the parts. If you could find a local fabrication company they might be able to cut you a triangle from solid but I guess it might be cost prohibitive.

[@lyndonmansell351]

Done, thanks again !

[@mikehutton8623]

Can you use that type of bender for round pipe and tubing

[@oldmanwith]

Hi Mike, it’s a question I’ve had a few times, I’ll have to find some steel tube to demonstrate. I’ve never tried but my assumption would be that it won’t work. Generally, tube benders need some form of support for the sidewalls of the tube. Without said sidewall support the sides of the tube spread out sideways and the tube flattens. In worst cases it will flatten completely, kink and effectively fold. The thinner the sidewall the worse the chance of this. With a really thick sidewall the issue might not occur too badly but there will still probably be some flattening of the tube.

[@stuartgraham26]

Found your video informative. Having recently purchased one of these benders, I had hoped that I would be able to bend, shape round bar into rings of varying sizes such as 200mm diameter but finding it very difficult. Have you any idea how to do this? I was trying to make a hanging basket today but had to resort to the old school method of forming around wooden template which kind of negates the folder which I thought would be helpful.

[@oldmanwith]

Hi Stuart, if it’s concentric rings you’re looking for you’re better of looking at a ring roller along the lines of this kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2jLfIWMjdKHh8U I just tried to search for that specific one but it looks like it’s no longer available. There’s plenty on KZbin showing use on flat steel and it looks like some of them have a groove in that might hold a bar. The nearest I think you’ll get using the tool you and I have is to purchase a scroll making attachment for it but even then I’m not sure you’ll get what you’re looking for. You’re not the first one to ask the question so I’ll see if I can come up with a method to use the parts bender but don’t hold your breath…

[@stuartgraham26]

@@oldmanwith Many thanks. I found this interesting idea on KZbin earlier this morning. I'm going to give it a try when I get some time. I think the wedge used could be attached to a bolt and bracket giving some finer adjustment rather than what's in the video. Alternatively I think I'm going to have to make a ring roller which I'd gathered some heavy duty bearings for a few years ago but just never got round to making.

[@marksleeper9385]

nice vid thanks for the info, will this bend 1/2 solid copper rod into a 6o degree bend

[@oldmanwith]

Hi Mark, my honest answer is I’m not sure, I’ve not tried and I don’t have any material like that to test. However, the manual such as it is says don’t bend round stock on the sharp angle bender. I’m guessing it would be too tight a bend and you could end up with cracks etc. It also says the biggest round stock it can bend is 5/8”. It has a table that talks about bending U bolts in 1/2” steel using a 1 1/2” up to 3”die. So given that copper would normally be softer than steel (especially if annealed) I’d say you’ve got a decent chance of being ok provided you can live with say a 1” bend radius. Good luck!

[@marksleeper9385]

@@oldmanwith Thanks for the reply, it was a radius bend and not a sharp bend it would look like a gas welding tip when bent

[@oldmanwith]

Hi Mark, I don’t see any reason why it shouldn’t work then, you’ll probably get some marking on the outside of the bend from the steel roller against the copper but other than that I guess it would work. As it’s a solid it can’t flatten like a tube. Only other thing I didn’t mention is that trying to get it millimetre accurate for the bend position takes some practice (and lost material) and you need a flat “tail” section of at leat 2” - 3” each side of the bend to support it in the machine

[@elroysez8333]

Hello. I have been looking for a bender that will handle rebar for sculptures and such. Would the rougher surface of rebar be a problem for a bender like this?

[@oldmanwith]

Hi Elroy, I just looked in the manual for mine and I'll quote direct: Never try to bend flat material larger than 5/16" x 2" or square or solid round material larger than 5/8". EXCEPTION: Rebar that is 1/2" diameter may be bent around the 3" die only It also says never bend round stock using the sharp angle bend attachment. Personally I've no experience of bending round above about 1/4" and I've not got any rebar to test it on, If I can find some I'll give it a go. Hope that helps a bit.

[@iainmel1]

I just did a test, expecting a failure.... 16mm rebar on the largest die. No sweat at all.

[@thomasodea4120]

Quality ..

[@oldmanwith]

Thank you

[@marekwieckowski3842]

Did you try to bend any pipes or square tubes with it? I need to fabricate some legs but I'm not sure this bender will handle it

[@oldmanwith]

Hi Marek, no i haven’t tried with any tube, round or square. I would guess that without some kind of shaped former to support the shape of the tube it would either flatten or kink the bends. I’ve used pipe benders of various types in the past for thin and thick wall steel pipe, conduit and copper tube and they’ve all had guides and formers to support the shape of the tube.

[@VelvetCrone]

we've been using it for rebar; half inch and 5/8s. Takes a long lever and a lot of strength along with being very securely fastened to the ground. Very securely. I've see a few other use it for pipe and tube, but only small stock.

[@oldmanwith]

I’m guessing that must be quite thick wall tube? I’d be interested to see anyone who’s done that

[@joemanflyer2001]

I would like to see a demonstration of using the metal bender for rebar. 90 degrees of #3,4,5 rebar thickness. Also a demonstration of using it for rebar stirrups, is to tie together rebar columns. This metal bender seems easier to use than using a rebar bender probably more accurate. Would that be true? Thank you for your instruction I appreciate it.

[@iainmel1]

I just did a test bend on 16mm rebar, thinking the bender would be stumped.... Nope! it required effort, tested the anchorings, but went into a 90 degree bend without me breaking a sweat.

[@joemanflyer2001]

@@iainmel1 thanks for your response. I appreciate it. Do you have a link to where I can buy the product? Amazon etc ?

[@oldmanwith]

Joeman, apologies I don’t know how I missed responding to your original message, I’ve been trying to scrounge some free materials to do all kinds of tests that people had asked for but I’m short on time so thanks to Iain. Not sure where you’re located, can’t find it on Amazon.com but it’s in Machine Mart (UK) here www.machinemart.co.uk/p/clarke-ccb1b-compact-bench-mounted-parts-bende/

[@johnschoen703]

I'm trying to make consistent 40" diameter rings to make firewood holders. I'm using round half inch re-bar..10 ft lengths. Whats the machine I need?

[@oldmanwith]

Hi John, I won’t claim to be an expert in this but I’ve an understanding of the machinery so here goes: If consistency is important then I’d say you need a proper ring roller, here’s an industrial one kzbin.info/www/bejne/lauWioigfqtgoas which gives you the idea. If you search “ring roller” on here you’ll find any number of home made versions and some shop bought stuff. The key is it’s a roller not a bender and the metal moves through it rather than it moving around the metal. 1/2” rebar is fairly tough so you need a tough machine to apply the tension and something substantial to provide the leverage to draw the material through. If you watch the vids you’ll see what I mean. At the other end of the scale I’ve watched a blacksmith get exceptional results with a hole in a bench in a similar way to the method in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2WVcpStnM-biZo When I was learning plumbing and gas fitting in college around 40 years ago we were actually taught how to bend steel pipe (shallow bends) using a hole in a piece of 4” x 4” and somewhere I still have a tool that works on the same principle. Using that principle I could also do it with my metal bender just using the former as a point to lever around but it would just be a leverage point rather than “using” the metal bender per-se. Good luck!!

[@David-nn9mr]

Ditto previous comments, excellent explanation, The 3 views helped a lot, Question regarding right-angle bends of flat stock: how thick mild-steel stock can be bent? Another youtube video says 1/8" maximum thickness, do you agree? If so, does >1/8" start bending pins, or ovalizing holes, or maybe just requires too much torque on the handle? Or maybe tears the mild steel stock?

[@oldmanwith]

Hi David, the book I got with mine gives 3/16.x 2 AND 1/4 x 1 1/4 as maximums on the right angle bend. Nearest I can get in metric is 50 x 5 and 30 x 6 but it’s not a direct match. I’ve bent 30 x 6 on mine without drama (just effort). I also tried to bend some 30 x 6 Hardox (didn’t realise what it was at first) and failed because I just felt I was putting so much effort in that something was obviously wrong. Certainly the bigger the stock the more effort it takes and by the time you’re at anything near its limits you need the machine securely bolted down. I don’t think it would tear the stock, I think machine failure (pin bending or handle bending) would be the first fail point, as a rule of thumb it OUGHT to be capable of about 30% over its listed max but then that depends on a LOT of other things including the build quality of the machine.

[@David-nn9mr]

@@oldmanwith Thanks! 1/8" thickness sounded to thin. I tracked down the Clark CCB1B/CCB2B manual, and found the reference to 3/16" x 2". As an aside the harborfreight version, item 38471 (now apparently discontinued) refers to only the maximum width, and max.width as a frustrating 1 15/16 (1.9375", 49.2"). And in fact on my unit, 2" stock will not fit between the U-shaped portion of the handle. Or more precisely, 2" will fit between the base of the U, but not at the tip. I'm guessing tip was compressed closer together to assure fitting between the ring assembly. So maybe Clarke branded tool is made by a different manufacturer with better quality control?

[@oldmanwith]

That’s interesting, I’ll measure mine later and see what the actual capacity is. I’m also trying to get some thicker steel to see how it all stacks up effort wise. When I first did the video I found 3 or 4 links to different manuals online but frustratingly I’ve lost them. I seem to recall one was actually for the original machine that I believe was actually American.

[@gabrieljordan9977]

Does this work for square tubing?

[@oldmanwith]

Hi Gabriel, I’ve never tried it on any tubing but my guess is that it would flatten out and probably kink. I did round tube bending by machine (not this machine) many years ago and certainly then the sidewalls needed support (either internal or external) to prevent kinking. I’ll guess square tube would act the same but like I say I’ve not tried it.

[@sydneycooperstein5463]

Supposing I wanted to make a 48-in circle

[@oldmanwith]

Hi Sydney, thanks for the question. This machine isn’t going to really do what you want. If you already have one then the best approach is to make a series of “mini” bends (the smaller the bend and the more you make, the better the finish) but ideally what you really want is an adjustable 3 roller bender. If you search “metal roller bender” you’ll get a number of results, here’s a reasonable DIY version I found: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aH2mZYWii7SFqbssi=qqLMyBHjVfsLKqSj. Good luck.

[@davecox900]

will it bend pipe 12mm and wall thickness 1.5 without kinking it

[@oldmanwith]

Dave, apologies I thought I’d responded. I’m pretty sure it won’t but that’s only a guess. I’d assume you’d need a tube bender with a guide and former. I used to work with steel gas pipe and although it was possible to make really shallow bends without a former, the best we could achieve on 1/2” (not the same I know) was about a 5” radius. That was by using an oversized hole in a 4’ x 4’ timber and bending it in increments. Not good for repeat accuracy

[@oldmanwith]

Other method is sand fill and heat

[@jamessparks9617]

Will it bend 3/8 and 1/4 inch solid steel rod?

[@oldmanwith]

Hi James, assuming you’re talking mild steel, I’ve used it on 1/4” bar and the manual (such as it is) says up to 5/8” bar or 1/2” rebar

[@jamessparks9617]

@@oldmanwith cold rolled steel rod. Not flat steel.

[@oldmanwith]

@@jamessparks9617 Yup, round bar, rod. To me it’s round bar or “bar” as opposed to flat bar or “flat” or square bar or “square” but I was talking about the same as you. Manual says it’ll do it but I’ve never tried 3/8 or bigger diameter personally.

[@syedsaleem4707]

How much right

[@Dreancaidi]

Precice.

[@subblegum]

This is a pretty solid little workbench. While once you figure out how it comes together, it is physically Easy to assemble kzbin.infoUgkxyFZUPFEey-PuqsPMxqaykBhgA1LWxFHh by yourself. But the diagrams explaining the steps are really pretty bad. I could not get the handle pins in all the way despite multiple attempts, so I just used a screw I had on hand for the 2nd handle. I could not get the first pin in further or pull it back out. You are supposed to hammer it in, but I had no leverage and the handle is plastic and I did not want to risk breaking it. I will get a lot of use out of the bench because of the convenient size and height. It does fold up nicely for storage. They even explain how to fold it so you don't get pinched...that is important!

[@oldmanwith]

Ah thanks, I keep meaning to do a video on it because I’ve made some modifications since I filmed the video and it’s a lot more adaptable. I use the T-Track system on some of my other stuff like my router fence and I debated whether to use it on this bench as well. Problem is in my world it never ends up exactly where I want it for any given task 😂😂

[@jamessparks9617]

What is the cost for this machine?

[@oldmanwith]

UK? Check Machinemart. I think I paid about £80 for mine but that was a while back

[@Mistabushi]

Bought Sealey one some time ago as Frost sells same machine for twice the price lol. Manual is absolute garbage, takes a while to figure out small things, looking at the original Hossbender videos here help too. Cheers

[@yourshootingbuddy]

I liked the video a lot. I picked up some great information to use on my bender. However, I did find the angle changes a little disorienting and tiresome.

[@oldmanwith]

Thanks for your comment. Always difficult to decide (especially as an amateur) how to structure a video. I’ll bear your thoughts in mind for future work

[@yourshootingbuddy]

@@oldmanwith I reread my comment and believe it was overly critical. For that I apologize. I think your video held great content that I learned from. My criticism was only aimed at technical points. I appreciate your running a channel as an amateur as I did the same with only so so results.

[@oldmanwith]

Not a problem, if nobody says anything I only ever get to hear my own opinion. If the content helped, that’s the most important thing to me. If I can improve on the presentation then that’s a bonus. Thanks 🙏🏼

[@VelvetCrone]

I found the camera angle changes quite helpful, and was really glad you did them. In fact, I would say the dual POVs, and the way you mocked the set up on top, explanins the brilliance of your tutorials. It gave me a better sense of getting to know the machine. If anything , I found the switch from clockwise to counter clockwise required I had to pay close attention, and rewind a bit. But I was glad to see you do it because we worked with 20 foot long stock on the first project with this bender and space ended up a serious issue, so switching it up was handy. Again, thanks so very much!

[@oldmanwith]

Thanks, the clockwise/ anti-clockwise thing was something I realised once I bolted it to the bench and tried to follow the instructions that came with it. I realised that depending on length of stock, bend position and setup it actually was unusable if you did if the recommended way. My aim is to try and get the video quality better so all the feedback is more than welcome

[@salvagedsteelstudio]

Great demo. Whats the difference between this and the popular universal angle bending (UB 100)?

[@oldmanwith]

Hi, I’d not seen the UB100 but I’ve now looked at it on ebay and there’s also a “This Old Tony” video on it. It looks like the version I have gives more options for radiused bends with the different size rollers where the UB100 looks to create more sharp angle folds with only one option for a small radiused bend (I can’t see in the spec what the radius is). It’s difficult to second guess without trying one but it looks like maybe the UB100 is slightly easier to set up and use, maybe it can also cope better with larger stock but overall I’d guess the version I have is more adaptable. Hope that helps. Thanks for the question 👍