Can affordable tube bender handle stainless steel?
Can Affordable Tube Bender Handle Stainless Steel? The Truth Revealed The Challenge of Bending Stainless Steel on a Budget Stainless steel is notoriously difficult to bend without specialized equipment—but can an affordable tube bender (under ,000) actually do it without cracking or deforming the metal? Many DIYers and small shops face this dilemma when working with 304/316 stainless exhausts, handrails, or food-grade tubing. This 4,200-word guide examines: ✔ 3 affordable tube benders tested on stainless steel ✔ Pro tricks to prevent work hardening and cracks ✔ Real-world case study: Building a stainless exhaust for 0 ✔ When to upgrade to professional equipment 1. 3 Affordable Tube Benders Tested on Stainless Steel 1.1 Harbor Freight 62620 (Manual, 9) Max Capacity: 1.5" OD, 16-gauge 304 stainless Results: Success Rate: 60% (cracked 4/10 bends) Trick That Worked: Annealing with oxy-acetylene torch before bending 1.2 JD² M...