[Caver Dave]

Anybody have or use software for estimating length, marking, & laying out tube for bending?

 

[Guest]

If I remember correctly Rockrat had a package it was supposed to be pretty good. I was gonna order it but procrastinated. Now I can't remember for sure. Try him here

http://ratsden.proboards19.com/index.cgi

 

[Guest]

Update, here's Rockrats' website with a link to Bendtech software
http://www.rock4xfabrication.com/

 

[pbmcauliffe]

I bought one of the cheap $60 programs bend tech EZ to see how it was, but find myself only using it occasionally. Most of the time I just do it by eye and measuring.

 

[Guest]

Have you seen the $259.00 model to compare the difference? Does the cheap one allow you to design or is it just templates?

 

[pbmcauliffe]

Yes, I did have a demo version of the 259 version and played with it. The main difference is with the expensive one, you can do multi-plane layouts and it will give you the degree the tube needs to be turned between bends. On the cheap version, it is all single plane bends, and you can use the templates, or a custom sheet which allows up to six bends.
Here is another program that allows multiplane bends and templates as well for $130. Bend Calculator Pro

 

[BMB]

Hey Dave,
Talk to Bluesman. I can't remember which program he went with, but I think he's pretty pleased with it.

BMB

 

[lomodyj]

Was crawling around on POR and saw this web page mentioned...may help fill in some of the gaps.

 

[Caver Dave]

I saw his post of POR regarding it the other day. Thanks!