Bending your own exhaust.... this a good tool?

I've been toying with the idea of getting some stock tube and bending my own exhaust pipes (from the headers back to the muffler on a '57 CJ5 with the F134). I know an exhaust kit for this jeep isn't expensive, I just think it'd be cool to do it myself.

So, that being said, I've found a 16 ton pipe bender on Harbor Freight which I was thinking would be good for bending an exhaust system.

Anyone know anything about these tools--if they're any good or not?

Here's the link for the tool on Harbor Freight:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=35336

Thanks,
Evan

 

I wouldn't buy that, and I have been known to buy a few harbor freight tools. If you are already spending that money, might as well spend another $100 or so dollars and get a decent bender that you could use for other projects.

 

That won't bend exhaust pipe. It will just crush it.

 

I'd say it depends on your budget. Looks like a simple device to me, and it should work ok. However, I think MOP's point is that cheap tools are seldom a bargain if you plan to use them regularly. For that price, you could likely buy the pieces you need or have the local muffler shop bend them for you.

<edit> Since JeepTherapy says it won't work, don't buy it.

 

I think they work OK for what they are designed for, bending pipe. Not tubing, pipe. I have no first hand knowledge, but a couple buddies have them. One specifically tried to bend exhaust pipe, it crushed it. Another used it as intended, to bend pipe for his buggy. From what I understand it worked well for that.

 

Ok for minor bends, NOT good for large radius or tight bends. It will crush the exhaust tubing. IMHO - not worth it. Have a shop do your exhaust or buy a real bender.

 

From my own experience building exhaust systems...I don't even try anymore. I never saved that much money, and it was always a giant headache. I've had a local shop build 3 complete (manifold back) exhaust systems for $150 and under (for dual exhaust) each. For that kind of money, I'd rather just let them do it. I'm sure others here have had better luck, but for me it was just too time consuming and frustrating. YMMV of course.
It is a great "learning experience" though .

 

Sounds like it's probably just not worth it. I'll probably just end up getting the kit from Krage's...

 

I was able to get everything at my Flaps, saved a bunch on not having it shipped. This was a few years ago, but Walker Exhaust listed all of it back then and I got it next day. HTH

 

I have one of those benders. Even when I bend heavy pipe, It works better if the pipe is filled with sand first (metal plates tack-welded to the ends). I wouldn't recommend trying to bend exhaust and believe the other guys that it crushed it. But if you were determined, you better use sand.

 

Pete DeBella http://www.debellajeepparts.com/ has complete F-134 exhaust systems with muffler for $110. To me, that's a no-brainer, but I'll check local sources first anyway.

 

When I griped about building my own exhaust, I should have clarified...building it from scratch sucks. Building it with a kit should be fine. Wheneven I get to that point in my project, I plan on just buying a kit since I'm going to be running a stock F134. Should be easy enough with the MIG welder.

 

You guys with the 4 cylinders are fortunate to have a kit available. Now all they have to do is make one for the oddfire.

 

X2. I've got two of those, and I don't even use them on pipe anymore unless I absolutely have to. I definately wouldn't try it with exhaust tubing. Just my .02