cheap power ram for benders!

Racin_Jason · #1 02-02-2006, 09:29 PM

So, after many months of working my abs bending tube. Countless hours surfing and gathering ideas on how to add hydrolic power to my #105 for the least amount of money. I was strolling through the local Tractor Supply one day when I saw this. (first pic)

I needed an engine hoist anyway and this one with the pneumatic ram was only $100 more than a manual hoist. I had an old bottle jack from a motorhome to put on the hoist, so I figured if I could get the power ram to work on the bender, I would have just over $100 into the conversion!

Heres a pic of the ram on the bender.(second pic)

Its an 8 ton ram that runs on 70 - 160 psi.and has a 20" stroke! In the pic it is bending 1.75 x .120 DOM easily at 90 psi.

It's not power return, but you just open the valve at the bottom and push it back by hand. You could also put some sort of spring return on it .

heres a pic of the engine hoist after I added the manual jack to it.(third pic)

So, for under $300 and a couple hours fab work I have a new engine hoist and air/hydro POWER on my #105 ....sweet.

TheBandit · #2 02-02-2006, 09:56 PM

Very cool!

Waita kill two birds with one stone.

Brian1 · #3 02-03-2006, 12:15 AM

Good idea and nice work! I like the ram clamp/mount to the bender.

Nordic1 · #4 02-03-2006, 03:23 AM

Not bad at all

OlBlueCJ7 · #5 02-03-2006, 10:16 AM

What's the diameter of the cylinder shaft?

Racin_Jason · #6 02-03-2006, 12:24 PM

It's a 1.375" dia. shaft

OlBlueCJ7 · #7 02-03-2006, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Racin_Jason

It's a 1.375" dia. shaft

Looking at the pic though - it appears to be air over hydraulic, correct?

Racin_Jason · #8 02-03-2006, 11:15 PM

Yes, so it is a little slower than full hydro, but it was cheap and easy, and a lot better than manual. Also, I'm now building a portable stand since it doesn't have to be bolted to the floor anymore.

movindirt · #9 03-10-2006, 01:20 PM

What is the model # for the hoist? There is a Tractor Supply here in town and this just might be the answer to my problems. I really don't have an ideal spot in my new garage to bolt down my bender so I would like to make it hydro but extra money is an issue with house payments.

Racin_Jason · #10 03-11-2006, 10:16 AM

Larin Model # PHH-2
2 Ton Pneumatic Engine Hoist

Mr.N · #11 03-11-2006, 05:38 PM

Just for the RAM: Saw these links on a local board, copied here.

Here is one. $67
http://www.uneedtools.com/airhydraul...ck-p-1762.html

This one has a removable mounting foot that can be rotated 90 degrees. $76
http://centralonlinesales.com/show_Product.asp?ID=1545

Jpfab · #12 03-11-2006, 05:44 PM

It appears that it is bending over 90deg, was that in 1 pin or did you have to repin it to get over 90 deg?

After looking at what it will cost me for full hydro, this is looking awfully good.

movindirt · #13 03-11-2006, 07:57 PM

Thanks Jason!

jackalope · #14 03-11-2006, 08:37 PM

I cannot remember, for the life of me, but there is a tool company that sells these hoists that utilize the air/hydro ram. Turns out that so many people were contacting the company and buying the hoist just to use the ram (for benders) that the company decided to sell just the ram/cylinder. I think it was like $100. I thought there was something mentioned on PBB a few years back. ...A little booze on a Saturday night and I can't remember anything..Go figure.
One thing you should be mindful of when using one of the rams one sees in a catalgoue is that they often times have to be mounted in the vertical position to work at all. Some don't. Just make sure before you drop too much $$$

Jason, nice to bring up this thread topic..Esp for those with tight budgets.

Racin_Jason · #15 03-11-2006, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jpfab

It appears that it is bending over 90deg, was that in 1 pin or did you have to repin it to get over 90 deg?

After looking at what it will cost me for full hydro, this is looking awfully good.

Yes, those rams that Mr.N posted look like the way to go! I think I might get one to put power back on my hoist!

Mine will bend to 70 deg. on the first pin. Then you skip a hole and go the the third position and continue the bend to 130, and so on...

jackalope, from what I understand, for a ram of this type, with a base mounted pump, to work in the horizontal position you just keep the pump side down so it is not starved of oil. It is a good idea to make sure before you buy it though.

movindirt · #16 01-13-2007, 07:36 PM

I am finally getting around to converting my bender to hydro. Will this setup bend 2"x .120? I am guessing it can since you said it bent 1.75 x .120 DOM easily at 90 psi. I am on a tight budget and this would allow more money to go into my truck.

ANVIL RECOVERY · #17 01-14-2007, 12:27 AM

Im glad I ran onto this thread cause I am in the process of buying a bender and the Brute is one of my choices and I also need a new jack for my cherry picker and that just might be the ticket to help me with both... THanks for the tips...

JOSH

BDR · #18 01-14-2007, 05:40 AM

I like the simple mounting job instead of building the huge sawhorse style people do.

Racin_Jason · #19 01-14-2007, 03:41 PM

I've since added a return spring to the ram. It is much easier to use now!

Racin_Jason · #20 01-14-2007, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by movindirt

I am finally getting around to converting my bender to hydro. Will this setup bend 2"x .120? I am guessing it can since you said it bent 1.75 x .120 DOM easily at 90 psi. I am on a tight budget and this would allow more money to go into my truck.

I've never tried 2"x.120 DOM, but it should do fine.