UB100 Universal Bar Bender - Mystery Parts

[@jimpritz4169]

Thank you for the video Mark. It's kind of shameful that the people selling this bender don't even know how those mystery parts are used. I suspect most people that own this bender are using them for paper weights like I was. I think your explanations are spot on.

[@akbychoice]

Spot on for the extra blocks, really just limited by size and imagination with benders like this. For the hex wrench, make the cross bar out of another hex wrench for more leverage.

[@coopersrace7277]

Thanks Mark. I am off to buy one today. FYI, I have a small workshop with a welding / assembly bench. I have various bench mounted shears, vices and benders that I like to use but I still need to use the bench for welding. After some thought, I welded 8 of 50mm receiver tubes under the bench top in various locations. Each tube has a couple of bolts under it, threaded through welded on nuts. Now all my equipment is mounted on plates with tubes that slot inside the bench mounted receiver hitches. The effect is similar to a tow bar receiver and hitch. I can choose any location around the bench for any of the equipment or clear everything from the bench in about 60 seconds by loosening two bolts and withdrawing the equipment on its mounting tube. Works a treat!

[@Preso58]

I have been thinking that I need to do that too. I have a bench vice that I would like to fit to the welding bench but I already find that the bar bender and a replica Hossfeld bender which are permanently bolted to the bench get in the way of any welding job I want to do. Adding the vice would just make it worse. Another job to add to the ever expanding list! Regards, Mark

[@askquestionstrythings]

As far as I'm aware those tools are as you described. The three most common applications I've seen these eccentric dies used for is making custom U-bolts, handles, and offsets. Every shop I've been in always had these cold forming benders mounted on a pedestal stand rather than on a bench. Of course the cold forming benders in those shops were the type which had a bazillion different dies and did everything from angles to making hoops with different stock. They were something like a No. 2 Hossfeld Universal Bender style of bender.

[@Sturb100]

V helpful thanks. Mine arrived today (without a handle for added usage mystery) and this has really saved me time working out how it works. When I get a handle I’ll cut it the same.

[@Info.isfree.openmind]

Wonderful video everyone who watched just about was grateful someone figured it out. I don’t even have a this tool, it was in my suggested. I wrote down the tool info just in case one day I need it and then I save this video for reference.

[@barrymorrisss]

20 years I owned this, never knew. Hope I can find those parts!!

[@ebc1f7]

Good lord I needed this video two years ago when I got one of these. Haha. I think u’ve figured it out.

[@olivier2553]

The lower part in the excentric is to do double zig-zag bends. If you check, it seems that this lower part matches the lower part on the bending plate, so you can fit already bended material to give it more bends. Like bending four times to make a square. I apologize if my explanations are not clear but I don''t know the names of the part of a bender and English is not my native language.

[@thenextstepp]

That's what I thought as well. I figured it had to be for making square bends of some kind.

[@alex-kg6bc]

Ist deine Mutter Sprache vielleicht Deutsch? Denn ich habe das Gerät auch und würde gerne den Verwendungszweck der beiden Teile wissen!!! MFG Alex

[@mr.a5147]

Thanks so much for making this video, I bought one of these today. First thing I thought when unpacking it was, "hmm, what are these used for. Not in the manual, better google it."

[@Preso58]

You're welcome. Regards, Mark

[@timb.4825]

I have this machine. Thanks for your video. Yes those parts are a great mystery. Your explaination is clear and logical. Sadly following your reasoning , we are limited to a defined Z bend offset. Too bad if you want to make a more unrestricted "bigger" Z bend... apart from that, it is a useful tool to have.

[@kassiedreaneai7459]

Being an old video you may not ever read this and may already have worked out what that cut away is for on the thin section of the large mystery block but I would say that it is for instead of making your jiggles or whatever you called them {the z shape} they are to make a square U shape or even to go on to make a full square as long as it has long enough sides to wrap around that inch or so of metal. You could make squares them weld up one corner to have a solid square.

[@Preso58]

I am sure that you are correct. It's just a pity that the "manual" doesn't have a little more information on how that block is meant to be used. Regards, Mark

[@markbrzezinski8889]

My two cents!!! I don't have the room to leave mine anywhere so I bolted a plate to the bottom with a heavy walled 40mm RHS welded to it at the ends. (At the ends so the welds don't interfere with the jaws of the vice). I just pick up the whole bender stored below my vice and put it in the vice when I need it. Also you have two Allen key sizes. Not sure why you didn't drill and tap the handle mount from 10 to 12mm. The slot will only be 1mm wider on both sides. Also you can do the Z bend by putting the handle at 90 degrees and you use the L plate as a spacer to hold the work which is now upsidedown. You bend in reverse moving from 90 degrees to the zero position to achieve the second bend in the reverse direction. This method allows you to choose any distance between the two bends greater than 20mm. So you are doing the second bend with the edge of the bending plate.

[@Preso58]

Thanks. It's a pity the manufacturers don't support their products with more informative manuals. Being able to store the bender after use makes a lot of sense. Mine gets in the way a lot but it sure is solidly mounted. Regards, Mark

[@benowzinsky5394]

Thanks mate. I've owned one of these for well over a decade and never figured out what that bit ( which the manual calls a 'bending eccentric seat' ) was for.

[@Preso58]

Well, I must say I was only guessing how it was meant to be used. I tried and failed to hunt down a manufacturers explanation or instruction sheet. Regards, Mark

[@gregkieser1157]

I too would love to know. I have two of these units (one on the farm) and find them indispensable.....but I have no idea what that die is used for other than creating 90 degree bends as suggested by others......if you do figure it out, please post a video with the answer....gotta be thousands of owners with the same question.

[@simonhuyghebaert3952]

Thanks for the explanations. I bought this machine last week, and was exactly raising up myself the same questions. Indeed a shame to get so poor operating instructions with it, but thanks to you now, feel a bit less idiot... :-) Greetings from Belgium.

[@Preso58]

We had the same machine at work (in a high school) and nobody knew what the mystery block was for. I sort of assumed that I was the only one who didn't understand how it was to be used. I watched This Old Tony today discussing a similar machine and he came to the same conclusion about it's use. Regards, Mark

[@andytaylor8802]

You are lucky. I never even got the mystery parts with my bender. :(

[@joandar1]

Call me Barbra Feldon, 99th like lol. Very informative Video Mark, thanks for taking us along on the journey. I will give some thought to that mystery cutout and let you know if I can work anything out. Perhaps another will put us straight as its use, I hope so because it is there for a reason. Cheers from John, Australia.

[@philh.7058]

thanks very much, I'm french and just bought this kind of thing without manual... You save my life ! :-)

[@Preso58]

It seems like everyone has the same issue with this bender. It's a useful tool but they could have spent an extra hour or so on the instructions and it would have been so much better. Regards, Mark

[@johnbova5829]

THANK YOU!!! Had no idea what those parts were for!

[@peterheuts7738]

Hi Mark, just finished rewatching this video and I think I know what the step in the big "mystery"block is for. this is a somewhat older video and there are 97 comments which I haven't all read, so you may know the answer already, but anyhow: my guess is that its function is the same as from the mystery plate, to allow an already made bend to fit in the block. somewhat like a u shape that you want to bend again if that makes sense... Keep up the good work, I have seen most of your videos and love the content. Peter (from the Netherlands)

[@pgs8597]

G’day Mark, every time I see one of those I want one, alas I still don’t have one. Now to make an attachment to hold those mystery dies and Hex wrench so it’s all together. Cheers Peter

[@Preso58]

Peter, when I had access to the one at school, I could do all my bending jobs there. Sadly, once I had to hand in my keys I missed a lot of the tools that I took for granted. 😥

[@charles1379]

Mi mark, thanks for the info, I now know what the extra parts to my bender are for. the rear cut out for the Eccentric block will be for allowing the fitting of a U shaped bar to be bent. the leg of the U both point in the direction of the handle.

[@yvesdesrosiers2396]

Thanks Mr P for sharing. Always informative. Cheers

[@lesgrove7295]

Hi Mark, I'm just reviewing this unit and have ended up on KZbin. Appreciate your comments as I'm looking at the same at Hare and Forbes here in Perth. In the information section relating to this device they mentioned being able to bend at varying radius by changing/turning the die plate. I noticed that one die plate has radius corners. This means that you can achieve a lot more in both flat and round bar stock. Have you used that function? Cheers Les.

[@Preso58]

Les, yes I do use it especially on aluminium which can fracture at the outside radius of a sharp bend. The rounded edge die puts a lot less stress into the material. The only thing I had to do was to mill the flat faces on the dies where they clamp against the fixed jaw. Mine were forged and the surfaces were quite rounded. It was hard to get them clamped accurately. I used a carbide insert face mill to clean up those surfaces and it does make a difference to the accuracy and repeatability of the bends you can achieve. Regards, Mark

[@wadestewart9891]

The only one I have seen demonstrated was by Gary Houston seems like he had a lot of knowledge about it . hope it helps

[@Preso58]

I will check that out.

[@BrettDalton]

Nice video. Only point I would make is when using the eccentric I would pack the part so your angle is accurate. The top section is for the same thing, making U turns on larger pieces which are too long to use the other die as they would interfere with the handle.

[@tribalconcrete]

This is a great tool if you wanna pry straight and grind square every piece of steel it destroys. Not to mention all the fun you'll have grinding square the warped plates it comes with. The good thing is that it's heavy, so you'll get about $2 for it at the scrap yard.

[@Preso58]

I had used on those benders at work and I already knew their limitations and problems but it does a limited range of bends quite well. The bending dies all needed machining on the face that clamps against the body of the bender and once I did that the overall accuracy improved. Like all these import tools, you are essentially buying a "kit of parts" as Stefan Gotteswinter likes to calls them.

[@Laugh1ngboy]

So just watched the ToT video on his version of this. He had to machine the faces on it to get it to work correctly. I was wondering if you had to do the same thing but I think you got much better version of the bender.

[@Preso58]

I watched TOT's video too. I didn't have the same issue with the out of square anvils but I did find that the backs of the fixed anvils were anything but flat. It looked like they had been forged badly and they wouldn't sit flat up against the fixed section of the base casting. I had to mill them flat before the two socket head screws could pull them hard up against the casting. I was surprised that the handle supplied on TOT's bender was just a piece of hollow tube. Mine was a solid piece of flat bar stock. Also, I would not be willing to try bending 10mm wide stock over 6mm thickness. Even 3mm is a bit of a struggle, but then I'm no Arnold Schwartzenegger! Regards, Mark

[@stum8828]

Thanks m8 just got one of these and 0 manual you've helped me out a lot cheers 😎

[@CraigsWorkshop]

I have the same bender. I am still looking for a heavy enough bench to mount it on. Thinking of making a hitch mount so I can slip it into the car trailer hitch when I need it. As for the mystery parts - I am at a loss as to what they're for. I assumed angle-stock. Not so sure now though. PS: I like your flouro yellow Lipton key. Good idea!

[@Anonymouspock]

Bolt down to the floor?

[@CraigsWorkshop]

@@Anonymouspock Yes - that would be the most sensible move normally, but in my case we live in a rented house, so it's not my floor, and I can't really put permanent fixings anywhere.

[@Aubreykun]

There's lots of plans for heavy woodworking workbenches made out of construction lumber on youtube and elsewhere. Those should be plenty strong. You can attach a sheet of steel on top of it and leave off the woodworking vises, dog holes, etc. if you don't need them.

[@CraigsWorkshop]

@@Aubreykun funny you should say that. I have a pile of construction lumber specifically for building a woodworking bench :-) The bender will probably only be used a few times a year, so I'm happy to mount a bracket on it that can be clamped to the bench or in a vise, or in the trailer hitch of the car, and put it away when not in use. If/when I have separate areas for woodwork and metalwork, I'll mount this type of tool somewhere permanent. Cheers, Craig

[@Preso58]

We used to use the one at school for bending angle but we just used the standard bending die and eccentric block.

[@iTeerRex]

When I saw the hex wrench I was like hey Oxtool is not that original, and then later on you explained lol

[@Preso58]

Yes, his version was way prettier than mine.

[@henrikhv5084]

Hi Mark, I just bought one like yours, and what is there to say... the manuels are identical. 🙂 no improvement there ;-) But I really found your video helpful, thank you

[@ianbertenshaw4350]

I was thinking the cut away sections could be for forming the ends of springs like the type you see on throttle shafts on some carburettors , one end is bent up and over the throttle arm and the other formed so it locks over a spigot on the carby body - a bit hard to explain , easier to show if only i could post pictures here !. Very hand tool those benders , i haven’t used one for a long time and wish i had the room for one now ! I like the idea with the handle and i am going to copy it for my metal shears !

[@Preso58]

Ian, I went back and played with the mystery parts again and I was able to make up some small "top hat" profiles from round bar. The geometry of the bender is a bit restrictive and it is mainly intended to do one way angle bends in light to medium section material. I was just frustrated that the parts as supplied were not documented in any way. I was thinking that the video might prompt others to share any knowledge about how it is meant to be used. I take your point about the bend you are describing. I didn't try that but it sounds doable. Regards, Mark

[@petermurphy3354]

Hi Mark, just picked up one of these for next to nothing,but with only one plate, looked up Hare & Forbes for a manual & got the same as you. Pretty poor for something they sell for $319.00 on special. I can mill up some plates as I need them out of some blocks of pre hardened M238 injection molding steel I have . Thanks for the intruction video it’s really helpful....... I’ve subscribed also. Cheers Peter 👍

[@Preso58]

Peter, the brand new plates that I got with mine were very badly forged and the mating surface which clamps up against the body was rounded instead of being flat. I had to mill all the mating surfaces flat before I could use them. It would be useful to make up some "specials". Regards, Mark

[@lipton6996]

Excellent video, im sure you are correct, at least i now know how i will use those parts!

[@Preso58]

I should stress that I am only guessing. I keep looking but I still haven't found any official documentation on what the mystery block is supposed to do. Regards, Mark

[@daywalker5532]

Thanks Mark for this great video👍 take care and stay save ☘

[@BrettDalton]

I did mean to ask, have you tried it on square tube? Looking at one for a truss making job. Would need to add something to the die to collapse the inner side of the tube but that would be trivial

[@Preso58]

I have not tried this machine of tubing. I do have a Hossfeldt clone bender and with the correct die you can bend square tube. I made one for round ERW tube but so far I haven't had the need to bend square tube. The dies I have seen for doing this have a small diameter round rod welded to the inside diameter form of the die to collapse the surface of the tube as you say. Regards, Mark

[@michaelmulqueeney4749]

Hello Mark, Mick here from Victoria and thanks for your video. I’m finding that during my use, the removable former pin is being bent to such an extent that the former is pushed out of vertical , rather then bending squarely I’m getting out of square bends. This while bending ⅛ flat so nothing too strenuous or heavy duty! Unequal radius on bend don’t go well with accuracy! I’m also having trouble removing the former pin because it is so distorted, once out it can be straightened again. Have you read of similar experiences with using these metal benders? My intention is to insert a wedge behind the former plate, hopefully that will prevent any distortion of the former pin together with ensuring an accurate and square fold/ bend. The wedge will be secured in place by the ⅝” Allen bolt therefore prevent any possible wedge misalignment,your thoughts please! Cheers, Mick.

[@Preso58]

Mick, I seem to recall that the maximum thickness of flat stock for this bender was 10mm. However it depends on how wide the stock is too. I don't think I have tried to bend 1/2" in my machine. Probably if you were to use the die with the large radius edge it would reduce the strain on the centre pin. I did bend some 75 X 10 hot rolled steel but I slit the bend line through about half way with and angle grinder first and then welded up the resulting groove after the stock was bent. If you have access to a lathe, I would just machine up a new centre pin, preferably from some higher tensile steel stock. Something like an old truck axle would be good. Regards, Mark

[@michaelmulqueeney4749]

Hello again, Not attempting anything like 10mm plate unless last resort,as per my comments I intend only dealing with light materials, 3mm (⅛) is common with my projects up to the most perhaps 6mm . Wedge behind the adjustable former plate has fixed the misalignment problems,easy addition and held in place easily. This is a great bender once the bugs are sorted,thanks again for the video! Cheers, Mick.

[@johnlawton4360]

Just bought one of these 2nd hand I was wondering what the cut out was for

[@Letskeepthingsreal]

Brilliant video, thanks for taking the time.

[@ske1975]

Thank you my friend. This video assisted me.greatly.

[@chevyvictor]

4:51 what brand allan key is that? i would like to buy a set.

[@Preso58]

I made that one myself after watching a video by Tom Lipton at Oxtools. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2m3dGaXrb6qhqc Regards, Mark

[@chevyvictor]

@@Preso58 cheers great info. i will make my own like the video

[@ShopGoatVentures]

Makes sense, i think you nailed it! 👍

[@howder1951]

I'd say you are the "goat 2 guy" cheers!

[@mclem4u]

Could it be for making offsets? As you all say down under “gooday” Mark.

[@garagemonkeysan]

That's a door stop. : ) Nice video. Thanks for sharing. Cheers!

[@Preso58]

Might as well be for all the information that came with it.

[@gaetansamyn1287]

Is there a way with this tool to bend your rebar into circles or something?

[@Preso58]

Not exactly but you could bend in small increments to make a sort of polygon shape. I have done this with angle iron circle with about 24 sides. Regards, Mark

[@johnstratton5637]

mark i was wondering do u know what sizes allen wrench it used on the side to change the die i bought one just like yours

[@Preso58]

John, I'll check tomorrow and let you know (it's late now). Regards, Mark

[@Preso58]

John, The screw on my bender is M12 X 1.75 at 65 long and the hex key is 10mm. Regards, Mark

[@alexrains1893]

This Old Tony has a (admittedly more recent) video on this bender as well, although he also doesn't cover the mystery parts, perhaps due to not receiving them; he spent most of the video lamenting confusion between models.

[@Preso58]

I did watch that video and as per usual, the entertainment value was worth the watch but I was disappointed that he didn't enlighten me further about that mystery part. Regards, Mark

[@dean-gm1lg]

For the handle just make a bolt on stub out of round bar and a piece of flat then simply slide a length of tube over it when using the bender no bolting on and off then

[@Preso58]

I use that method on a Hossfeld bender clone that I made. For light bends on the universal bender I just leave the bolts loose and slip the handle slot under them. Regards, Mark

[@TomMakeHere]

Interesting. I need to get a bender at some point Did I also notice you had a hossfeld bender setup on your bench at the start?

[@Preso58]

Yes, well, a Hossfeld clone anyway. I made that one after watching This Old Tony do a video on his version. I have only really used it for bending light tube but it does a good job.

[@slypig24]

Great explanation on the bender & accessories. Like your handle mod, got me thinking you could also have a rectangular steel block, milled out to step over handle, to help prevent handle spread.

[@Preso58]

That would be a complete solution but probably a "belt and braces" job. 😁

[@crizjohncalva2754]

Can u bend 8x75mm flat stock with these? Was planning on making desk legs

[@Preso58]

I don't think it will do steel of that size. I have been able to get 4 X 75. I have had success with bending thicker stock by partly cutting through with an angle grinder (about half way) and then making the bend. You can then weld up the gap. Regards, Mark

[@gerrylea121]

Thanks Mark I just bought one today it’s really helpful....... I’ve subscribed👍

[@Preso58]

Thanks for the sub! Regards, Mark

[@bondibeast]

hi mark, can this tool bend past 90 like for some hairpin legs?

[@Preso58]

Dan, yes, the UB100 bender comes with an anvil with about a 45 degree angle on it. There is also an anvil with a radius edge which will bend past a right angle but it gives a more gentle round. Regards, Mark

[@andytaylor8802]

Can you do 18mm bends on this bender...?

[@Preso58]

Maybe in round stock and only if you use the former with the large radius. For flat bar I don't try to go past 8mm thick by 40 wide. Regards, Mark

[@stum8828]

Hey ime having a massive problem with my bender, it is not bending 3mm flatbar to 90 degrees it's so off it's like 35 degrees. Any ideas how to fix it?

[@Preso58]

Wow, 35 degree error sounds like a lot. There will always be some spring back in even hot rolled steel but normally you will need to overbend by about 5 degrees to allow for spring back. I would just make sure that the square clamping block is pinching the stock firmly and then adjust the bending plate with the adjusting screw so that it is flat against the unbent portion of the stock before you start your bend. Regards, Mark

[@stum8828]

@@Preso58 yea it is a lot of play. I checked the entire machine all fittings blocks and mock test without material and the machine stops bending way before 90 degrees I would say probably 35 degrees or so. I cant understand what it is that's causing the problem. The only way I can bend 90 degrees is by having no pin in the degree holder but then again that's pure guess work with no pin. I made a set of coat hooks and had to stop every second on every bend and check curvature by hand using a digital gauge. It took me forever and I am still determined to find out just why this silly thing wont allow me to bend using the gauge. Thanks for reply m8.

[@alex.projects1400]

Very usefull Video and nice modification 🙂👍 I'll need to do the same. Having extra space is always usefull. But maybe I'll do an other quickrelease system.

[@DXT61]

Would this bend 3/4 round bar?

[@Preso58]

That might be a little too heavy for this machine. We could do 1/2" hot rolled easily and you would need to use the die with the large radius. You would also need to have your bender bolted down to a really heavy bench. Regards, Mark

[@DXT61]

Thanks Mark. I make hooks from rebar for target stands. Harbor Freight has their version but liked the looks of this one even though it’s more expensive. Mostly 1/2 to 5/8 but I figured if it could do 3/4 the slightly smaller ones would be easy.

[@sustainableliving880]

Like the handle mod. Simple!😊

[@timandrew8552]

thanks mark really helpful, l had the same problem as well

[@2150dalek]

I just bought one, but the more expensive one, looks like an added micrometer instead of plain screw adjustment...I'm a man, too, but I READ manuals and I actually ask folk for directions if I'm lost.

[@2150dalek]

Yay...assembled the unit, your video helped me understand...There was no manual in the box... web search useless for pdf's, because Chinese companies come & go like the wind unlike Honeywell, Kuerig, Cheverolet.

[@peaceworld6492]

need to put plat support to make bending metal properly shape

[@hamdoulillah]

very good mark 😉 me from kuwait

[@anonymousgeorge4321]

Good one. Thanks

[@MrIan1414]

Well done

[@georgegriffiths2235]

It’s more of a parts list than a user manual

[@Preso58]

George, you are correct. I can't understand why they couldn't include just a little more information. It's not like it would cost a lot. Regards, Mark

[@sustainableliving880]

Good value…

[@chevyvictor]

CRC lubricate the parts they look dry

[@Preso58]

I must confess I don't always pay attention to lube in the shop. If it squeaks it gets attention though. Regards, Mark

[@chevyvictor]

@@Preso58 im so impressed with your video i just ordered one 😎

[@CraigLYoung]

Disappointed:( Watching this video, I noticed your hex wrench and thought, "That's where Tom got that Idea!" Only to find out it's the other way around. It's ok because I already made two myself for different things around here.

[@carlkulyk366]

I would call your joggle an offset.

[@wyohman00]

I see some power coating candidates.....

[@Preso58]

William, I am doing the way wiper castings, the debris screens and the motor fan housing in powder coat. The rest is going to be paint and a few items will be zinc plated.

[@coyzee1]

Hmmmmm, interesting.

[@jaysontabia6894]

This is china made check the website of TTMC UB100 www.ttmc.cn/

[@Preso58]

Jayson, I figured the UB100 was made in China but unfortunately they do not issue a manual which explains the features of the accessories and bending dies they supply. I guess someone who can speak Chinese might be able to request an explanation? Regards, Mark

[@bokarma734]

I've got to the 4 minute mark & your still telling us you don't no what it's for & neither does jim apparently. Appreciate the video but surely you didn't need to take 4 minutes to establish that then I look at length of clip & wonder how much is useful & how much is just waffle sorry but it drives me nuts when your just trying to know how something works.

[@Preso58]

It was explained and demonstrated. I get that some people want an immediate answer to their question but you are free to skip forward to find the relevant information. Regards, Mark Presling