Thinnest 1.5" tube for clean 6" bends?

[R3Fab.]

Need to form up a 1.5" mild steel tube structure that is mostly to support the fiberglass body.
Not really structural as it is a ladder frame.
How thin may I go on a 6" centerline without undue risk of kinking?

[Maxx Levell]

What kind of bender? I've done 180 bends on .120 wall with JD2 Model 3. Never tried anything thinner than that on MS. Sounds like you're wanting thinner than that though lol.

[R3Fab.]

Yes, JD2 M3.
I need to keep the build as light as possible with the exception of the roll hoop.
1.5" as that is the only 6" CL die I have.

[TheBandit]

Based on the recommended wall thickness range they provide below for 5.5CLR and 6.5CLR dies, the min is going to be somewhere between 0.065 and 0.083. Thinner is just going to flatten out more and be more difficult to weld. Even on a ladder frame, I'd error toward the thicker side unless you want to spend time reinforcing any structural connections. My brother has built a few manx-style buggies and vw sandrails out of 1.5x0.095 HREW. I've noticed over time lower members like bumpers and siderails end up with dents. DOM would be a better bet IMO.

https://www.jd2.com/model-3-die-set-...und-tube-15-od

[Graham08]

I know this is probably too late to be helpful, but 0.065" works well on a 6.5" CLR with my JD2 bender. I have done 0.058" 4130 but it can be dodgy. One stick will bend fine, and another will wrinkle or collapse altogether.

[R3Fab.]

Looks like the forum is back, good!

Got sidetracked with putting up a shop but hope to get back to bending and welding soon.
Car I am building uses a ladder frame, the tubes I am bending are really just body support members.
I may spring for another die set to do smaller dia. tube.

[cagedruss]

I have a JD2 mos 3 1.5 x 180 die. I have done .083 with no issues. Wont do .065.