Di-Acro Model 2 Help

[Clockwork]

I just picked up a Di-Acro model 2 bender and could use some help. I'm not sure how to clamp the tube to the beginning of the die. I have 4 short blocks with 2 threaded holes that must attach to something. Quick lock clamp? Is there any other method? I've only seen one quick lock clamp for sale and it's $550!

Also, what's the curved slotted piece for pictured on the floor?

Thanks, Joel







Clockwork Bikes

[Clockwork]

P.S. I'm looking in your direction, Drew.

[Jamie Medeiros]

The curved piece bolts to the outer ring of holes and acts as a stop so you can make repeatable bends. I am looking for a quick-lock for mine too. Currently I have a C-clamp jury rigged on mine but my dies are a different shape and I doubt that my solution would work for you. If I cannot find a quick lock I am planning to make my own with one of these MSC Industrial Supply Co.and some flat stock. Also you will need to bolt a block to the arm behind the roller thingy to keep the roller from loosening up, the single bolt will not be enough.

[Clockwork]

Thanks, James. Drew added a bunch of notes on my Flickr page too. Flickr: Joel Greenblatt | Clockwork Bikes' Photostream

[suicideking]

My grandfather had one of these in his shop, i remember a second arm that could be leveraged out with an internal cam that held the tail die in place. it was secured using the outer ring holes. Could have been a piece he constructed as well.

[Clockwork]

That's the Quick Loc Clamp and I'm on the hunt for one.

[Jamie Medeiros]

Home-made (not so)Quick-Lock Clamp:

FxCam_1337008062569.jpg

[suicideking]

I swear i saw one on Engin cycles Flickr as well some time ago. he might be a good source

[anon.]

Hi Joel,

My friend and former shopmate, Andrew, has a Di-Acro 2 bender as well. I'm pretty sure there are a good number of photos on his flickr if you need a reference for the missing stabilizer block or the quick lock.

[Clockwork]

I've fashioned a Kinda Quick Lok Clamp and am able to bend now.



On my first test bend there are a few problems I'd like to be able to fix. The outside radius has flattened, the tube narrows during the bend, and there's distortion at the end of the bend. The tube is 3/4" x .035" 4130. Has anybody worked through these problems?



More pics start here: Di-Acro Bender | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Thanks, Joel

[fortyfour]

Did you notice if your DIY Quick Lok was moving at all during the bend process? The distance from where the rod is supported by the 2nd nut and unsupported is quite long. Diacro's own is very robust. Did you try a different radius with the same setup? It appears that the beginning of the bend is starting to go fine, but as it reaches a certain point, the material begins to flatten. That bend is pretty tight for a .75" OD w/ .035" wall thickness tube so you may just be pushing the material beyond it's limit for that radius.

[steve garro]

That bend is pretty tight for a .75" OD w/ .035" wall thickness tube so you may just be pushing the material beyond it's limit for that radius.

That's what I think.
That's tight for .75 x .035"
is that 3" or 2.5" radius with a 90* bend? - that's what I would expect - the bender I used to bend 2.5"x.095" would do a bend JUST like that.
Grease?
Whatever Rich Hunter does he has that bend nailed.
- Garro.

[Mike Mcdermid]

Have you tried filling the tube

Ps i do like that tool tho are they expensive

[EricKeller]

I'd really think about that quick lock for $550. It's a one time investment in something that really works well. The blocks with threaded holes are bolted to the quick lock.
I would check with Diacro to see how much they want for one -- I'm sure it would be more, but I'd want to know.

[Clockwork]

Much better bends with this 6" CLR radius collar from Di-Acro. It's actually for a #3 bender, note the 3/16" lift under the roller to get it on-center with the radius collar.

I actually had a tour of the fabrication facility lined up but when I called to confirm I was shocked to hear the parent company just sold Di-Acro and that all their product would be distributed from a warehouse. No sense in seeing that. I hope this doesn't mean fabrication is going overseas.