An exhaust pipe bender decides whether your shop builds its own pipe or waits on a parts truck. This category lists 19 exhaust pipe benders for sale from two manufacturers: 16 listings from Huth-Ben Pearson International and 3 from BendPak. Five of the Huth listings are the same bender offered twice, bare and with a die package, so the 19 listings cover 14 distinct machines. All are new equipment. The range runs from an entry-level manual bender for a one-bay muffler shop to the 2600HD and 2601HD, which Huth says complete a 90-degree bend in 3 in. tube in 16 seconds in automatic mode.
The choice is simpler than 19 models makes it sound. Almost every exhaust tubing bender here is a hydraulic, horizontal, knee-controlled machine rated for tube up to 3 in. What changes between them is bending force, how much of the cycle is automated, whether end-finishing tooling is built into the frame, and whether bending dies are included.
▸ Read the full Exhaust Pipe Benders buying guide — types, capacity, power and space, comparison table and FAQs
The families of machines in this category
Huth knee-control horizontal benders
The largest group: the 1605 and 1600 entry-level machines, the 2008 and 2806 high-volume models and the 2600HD heavy-duty model. All five share Huth's rugged I-beam construction, the exclusive safety-guard package and front swivel casters without brakes. The 1605, 1600, 2008 and 2806 list agricultural main cylinders; the 2600HD lists a reinforced frame with an elevated center of bend and a large-volume reservoir instead. Every one of the five except the 2008 also lists a bending die retainer. A slim knee pedal triggers the bend so the operator stands close to the work with both hands on the tube. On the 1600, Huth substitutes a foot pedal at no charge; the 1605 has an optional 95458 foot pedal kit.
Huth-Ben Pearson BP-series and MC59
The BP-08 and BP-11, and their packaged versions BPC-09 and BPC-12, pair Huth's I-beam frame and maintenance-free guide plate with Ben Pearson dies and quick-disconnect end-finishing tooling, using a double-ended cylinder for solid and segmented end finishing. The BP-08 is the manual, knee-control version for shops starting up, adding a second bender or replacing an old one. The BP-11 adds push-button control, an automatic depth-of-bend selector, an auxiliary stop-start at the swager/expander and a deluxe die tray. The MC59 takes the same Ben Pearson die packages but is a different platform, and it automates the most of the cycle among the Huth knee-control benders: color-coded quick-change dies, a spring-loaded die carriage, a knee-controlled ram die, an energy-efficient dual-stage hydraulic pump, two end-of-pipe systems, and automatic depth-of-bend, ram-die retraction and motor cut-off. It bends 180 degrees on a 5 in. radius, through 3 in.
The 3012 and the 3006 vertical bender
The Ben Pearson 3012 recesses the main cylinder below the bending plane, so you can bend a full 360 degrees around the dies on the same centerline. The Huth 3006 is the only vertical bender here: tube positioned vertically lets gravity help you fixture the part, and it needs a smaller footprint and swing area than a horizontal bender, at 40 in. x 40 in. It bends up to 3 in. round and 2-1/2 in. square tubing plus various diameters of schedule 40 pipe and solid bar stock.
BendPak Blue-Bullet and 1302 series
One platform at three levels of control, built on a rigid 6 in. x 6 in. x 3/8 in. welded-steel tube frame with 2.5 in. oversized barrel shafts, commercial-grade cylinders on chrome-molly shafts, bending heads precision ground to within .002 in. and twist-lock tooling. The BB-2 Blue-Bullet is manual, run from a knee lever and a degree plate. The 1302BAS is semi-automatic, with a 3-button control and remote foot controls. The 1302BA is digital-automatic: a programmable mini-computer in the front upright shows die angle and stores up to 99 bend depths.
Bending force and tube capacity
There are three force ratings here. Most Huth models deliver 58,000 lbs., which the manufacturer calls more than enough for 3 in. tubing: the 1605, 1600, HB-05, HB-10, 2008, 2806, HB2806, 3012 and 3006 are all rated at that figure. The 2600HD and 2601HD step up to 85,000 lbs. for production work and heavier material up to 3 in. OD, with reinforced bending gates, a reinforced frame with an elevated center of bend and a large-volume reservoir. The three BendPak machines list a top cylinder working force of 60,000 lbs.
BendPak publishes the tightest capacity spec: maximum tube capacity of 3 in. (76 mm) at .095 wall, maximum bending radius of 5 in. (127 mm), minimum bending radius of 3.3 in. (89 mm). The Huth listings state capacity by tube diameter rather than wall thickness, so if you bend heavier wall, confirm it against the model spec sheet first.
Manual, semi-automatic or digital control
Control level is a throughput decision, not a quality one. A manual machine (1605, 1600, HB-05, HB-10, BP-08, BPC-09, BendPak BB-2) is driven from a knee pedal, and the operator stops the bend by eye: the 1605, 1600, HB-05 and HB-10 use a manual depth-of-bend indicator, the BPC-09 a manual depth-of-bend selector, and the BB-2 a depth-of-bend degree plate. The BP-08 listing does not state a depth-of-bend control. That level suits design work, prototyping and one-off custom exhaust.
Automatic depth-of-bend selection is the first real upgrade. On the 2008, 2806, HB2806, 3012, 2600HD, 2601HD, 3006, BP-11, BPC-12 and MC59, an automatic depth-of-bend control stops the ram at the same angle every time, which is what gives repeatability across a batch. The 2008, 2806, HB2806, 2600HD and 2601HD listings describe it as an easy-to-adjust depth-of-bend plate; the rest state only a depth-of-bend selector. The BendPak 1302BAS sits between the two with a 3-button semi-automatic control. Huth's smart automatic mode on the 2008, 2806, HB2806, 2600HD and 2601HD adds an adjustable return-to-home position control, which Huth says speeds the transition between multiple bends. The 3006 goes further: its minimum return stroke increases cycles per hour on smaller-diameter material. At the top, the MC59 automates ram retraction and motor cut-off as well, and the 1302BA stores up to 99 bend depths so common jobs are recalled rather than re-dialed.
End finishing: swager and expander
A bend is only half the job; the pipe still needs a flare, an expansion, a ball joint or a slip joint. Seven of the 16 Huth listings state a built-in heavy-duty swager/expander: the 1600, HB-10, 2008, 2806, HB2806, 2600HD and 3012. On the 1600, 2008, 2806, HB2806 and 2600HD the listings publish the full range: the swager end accommodates 1 in. to 3 in. tubing and the expander end allows expansions from 1 in. to 5-1/2 in., with Huth's Accu-Sizer automatic bull's-eye expanding system for repeatable expansions. The HB-10 carries the same bender as the 1600. The 3012 also features a heavy-duty swager/expander, though its listing does not publish those ranges.
Two exceptions matter. The 1605 and its HB-05 package have a heavy-duty expander only, with tooling for 2 in. to 3 in. tubing, and no swager is listed. The 2601HD is the 2600HD without the swager/expander: its description text repeats the swager paragraph, but the model name and feature list agree it is the machine without them, and the 2600HD listing confirms it. The BendPak machines instead use two separate rear end-finishing units for flaring and expanding, with a high-speed clampless swager, an internal expander and a drop-in collar for quick swaging.
Tooling: what is in the box and what is not
Several models are listed twice, once bare and once as a package with dies.
- Huth 1605 is bare; HB-05 adds the 023 die package and an instructional video.
- Huth 1600 is bare; HB-10 adds the 028 die package and an instructional DVD. The 1600 listing states it is the same bender as in the HB-10 package.
- Huth 2806 is bare; HB2806 adds the 028 die package.
- BP-08 is bare; the BPC-09 is the BP-08 with the 62898 Super 110 package.
- BP-11 is bare; the BPC-12 is the BP-11 with the 62898 Super 110 package.
- The MC59, 3012, 2008, 2600HD and 2601HD list tooling as not included; the 3006 uses custom-made tooling.
Huth offers two tooling families. The BP-series, MC59 and 3012 take Ben Pearson dies in the Super 110, Super 120, Super 120-7 and Super 150 packages. The 1600, HB-10, 2008, 2806, HB2806, 2600HD and 2601HD take Huth's 010, 011, 013-NC, 016 (metric) and 028 packages. The 1605 lists the 011, 013, 016, 023 and 028. The HB2806, 2600HD and 2601HD also list optional 1992 and 1993 3 in. packages, a 1995 2-3/4 in. package, 1996 3 in. short and 1997 2-3/4 in. short packages, a 1988 3 in. end-finishing package and a 1989 1-7/8 in. package.
BendPak ships all three machines with the Deluxe 302 package standard and offers a Deluxe Metric package on all three. A large 3 in. die package is listed for the BB-2 and the 1302BA; ask about it for the 1302BAS. One caveat: the 302 package is listed as six dies from 1.5 in. to 2.5 in., but the third size is given as 1.875 in. on the 1302BAS and 1302BA listings and as 1.625 in. on the BB-2 listing. The BB-2 listing also names its included tooling three ways - Deluxe 302 in the product name and feature list, BB-2 Die Package in the heading, and BB-1 tooling package in the opening paragraph. The product name and the spec table agree on the Deluxe 302, so treat that as the package and confirm the exact die sizes on the spec sheet for the model you order.
Power, space and delivery requirements
Most of these machines run on 220 volt service, and amperage is the item most often missed at quoting time. The Huth 1600, 1605, HB-05, HB-10, 2008, 2806, HB2806 and 3012 run on 220 volt, 60 Hz and require 30 amp service on single phase or 20 amp on three phase. The 2600HD and 2601HD, with their 7-1/2 HP motors, require 50 amp single phase or 30 amp three phase. The MC59 is listed as 220-volt single phase, 60 cycle, with three-phase, 50-cycle and other voltages also available. The BendPak machines run a 5 HP motor on 208-230 VAC, 60 Hz, single phase. The BP-08, BP-11, BPC-09, BPC-12 and 3006 listings do not state an electrical service; get the spec sheet for those five before you run conduit.
Motor sizes run 4 HP on the MC59, 5 HP on the 1600, BP-08, BP-11, BPC-09, BPC-12 and all three BendPak machines, and 7-1/2 HP on the 2600HD, 2601HD and 3006. The HB-10 listing does not state a motor, but it carries the same bender as the 1600, so expect the same 5 HP unit and confirm it on the quote. The 1600 offers an optional 7-1/2 HP motor for high-speed bending, which Huth describes as 25 percent faster.
Only BendPak publishes full dimensions: the BB-2 is 42 in. wide x 62 in. deep x 31 in. high at 1,364 lbs. shipping; the 1302BAS and 1302BA are 41 in. wide x 64 in. deep x 26 in. high at 1,362 lbs. and 1,388 lbs. The Huth 3006 lists a 40 in. x 40 in. footprint. Check the spec sheet for other Huth models, and allow swing clearance for the tube itself, not just the machine.
Two delivery notes come from BendPak's listings: unloading the freight is the buyer's responsibility, and BendPak charges sales tax in California. Plan for a forklift or lift gate. Free shipping is flagged on every bender in this category, the 2601HD included.
Standards and safety features
The Huth 1605, HB-05, 1600, HB-10, 2008, 2806, HB2806, 2600HD and 2601HD listings include what Huth calls its exclusive safety-guard package, and every one of those except the 2008 also lists a bending die retainer. The 3012, MC59, BP-08, BP-11, BPC-09, BPC-12 and 3006 listings do not state either feature, so confirm the guarding on the model you order. The HB-10 listing notes it is now available with CE listing. On the BendPak side, all cylinders use chrome-molly shafts conforming to ANSI 92.2 standards, and the NEMA-rated on/off switch box incorporates overload relays that automatically cut power in an over-current situation. BendPak machines also carry pressure gauges and an adjustable pressure valve located right up front, the BB-2 adds oil sight gauges for visual oil-level checks, and all three listings carry a California Prop 65 warning. No ALI, ETL or ASME certification is claimed on any listing in this category.
Model comparison
| Model | Bending control | Force | Motor | Tooling included | End finishing |
|---|
| Huth 1605 Essentials | Manual knee | 58,000 lbs. | Not stated | None | Expander only, 2-3 in. |
| Huth 1600 | Manual knee | 58,000 lbs. | 5 HP (7-1/2 optional) | None | Swager and expander |
| Huth HB-10 (1600 package) | Manual knee | 58,000 lbs. | 5 HP (per the 1600 listing, the same bender) | 028 dies | Swager and expander |
| Huth 2806 | Knee, push button, auto depth | 58,000 lbs. | Not stated | None | Swager and expander |
| Ben Pearson 3012 | Knee, push button, auto depth | 58,000 lbs. | Not stated | None | Swager and expander, ranges not stated |
| Huth 2600HD | Knee fwd/rev, push button, auto depth | 85,000 lbs. | 7-1/2 HP | None | Swager and expander |
| Huth 2601HD | Knee fwd/rev, push button, auto depth | 85,000 lbs. | 7-1/2 HP | None | None |
| Huth MC59 | Knee ram die, fully automatic cycle | Not stated | 4 HP | None | Two end-of-pipe systems |
| Huth 3006 Vertical | Push button, auto depth | 58,000 lbs. | 7-1/2 HP | Custom-made available | Not stated |
| BendPak BB-2 Blue-Bullet | Manual knee lever | 60,000 lbs. top cylinder | 5 HP | Deluxe 302 | Clampless swager, internal expander |
| BendPak 1302BA-302 | Digital, 99 bend depths | 60,000 lbs. top cylinder | 5 HP | Deluxe 302 | Clampless swager, internal expander |
Frequently asked questions
What size pipe can these benders handle?
Every machine here is built around 3 in. tube. Huth rates the 58,000 lbs. models as more than enough for 3 in. tubing, the 2600HD and 2601HD handle heavier material up to 3 in. OD, and BendPak lists a maximum capacity of 3 in. (76 mm) at .095 wall. The 3006 also handles 2-1/2 in. square tubing and schedule 40 pipe.
Do I need three-phase power?
No. Every model that publishes an electrical requirement can run on single phase. The difference is amperage: most Huth knee-control models need 30 amp single-phase service (20 amp on three phase), and the 7-1/2 HP 2600HD and 2601HD need 50 amp single phase (30 amp on three phase). Three phase lowers the draw, so use it if the building already has it.
Does the bender come with dies?
This is the biggest source of price confusion in the category. The HB-05, HB-10, HB2806, BPC-09, BPC-12 and all three BendPak machines ship with a tooling package. The 1605, 1600, 2008, 2806, BP-08, BP-11, MC59, 3012, 2600HD and 2601HD are listed as bender only, with die packages sold separately. The 3006 uses custom-made tooling built to the job, also quoted separately.
Do I need the swager and expander built into the bender?
If you are producing finished exhaust pipe, yes. The built-in swager/expander takes 1 in. to 3 in. tubing on the swager end and 1 in. to 5-1/2 in. on the expander end, covering ball joints, flanges, flares and slip joints without moving the part to a second machine. If you already own end-finishing equipment, the 2601HD is the 2600HD without it.
How does the machine arrive and what do I need to receive it?
BendPak publishes shipping weights of 1,362 lbs. to 1,388 lbs. and crate dimensions of 70 in. x 32 in. x 47 in. on the BB-2 and 1302BAS, and 48 in. x 70 in. x 30 in. on the 1302BA. The Huth listings do not publish a shipping weight, so ask for it before you book the delivery. BendPak states that unloading the freight at the destination is the buyer's responsibility, so arrange a forklift or lift gate for the delivery date. Ten of the Huth listings - the 1605, HB-05, 1600, HB-10, 2008, 2806, HB2806, 2600HD, 2601HD and 3012 - roll on front swivel casters without brakes once on your floor, so plan a level position and allow swing clearance for the tube, not just the machine. The MC59, 3006 and BP-series listings do not state a caster package.
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