Central Machinery 38470 Assembly instructions

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Email our technical support at: [email protected]
Visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com
Email our technical support at: [email protected]
Owner’s Manual & Safety Instructions
Save This Manual Keep this manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly,
operating, inspection, maintenance and cleaning procedures. Write the product’s serial number in the
back of the manual near the assembly diagram (or month and year of purchase if product has no number).
Keep this manual and the receipt in a safe and dry place for future reference. 19c
When unpacking, make sure that the product is intact
and undamaged. If any parts are missing or broken,
please call 1-888-866-5797 as soon as possible.
Copyright© 2000 by Harbor Freight Tools®. All rights reserved.
No portion of this manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in
any shape or form without the express written consent of Harbor Freight Tools.
Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally. Due to continuing
improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein.
Tools required for assembly an d se rv ic e may n ot b e in cl uded.
Read this material before using this product.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
SAVE THIS MANUAL.

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Technical Specifications
Tool Name: Compact Bender-Floor
Item Number: 38470
 Dimensions:   10-1/8″Wx39-3/4″Hx35-3/4″L
 Stand:    .325″Steel
Mounting Holes: (4) ½”
 Max.WidthofStock:  1-15/16″
 Max.StockThickness:  5/16″
 Max.BarStockDiameter: 5/8″
 Dies:    1″,1-1/4″,1-1/2″,1-3/4″,2″,2-1/2″,3″
Tool Weight: 44 lb
Safety Warnings and Precautions
WARNING: When using tool, basic safety precautions should always be
followed to reduce the risk of personal injury and damage to equipment.
Read all instructions before using this product!
1. Avoid working alone. If an accident happens, an assistant can bring help.
2. Keep work area clean. Cluttered areas invite injuries.
3. Observe work area conditions. Keep work area well lighted.
4. Keep children away. Children must never be allowed in the work area. Do
not let them handle machines, tools, or extension cords.
5. Store idle equipment. When not in use, tools must be stored in a dry location to
inhibit rust. Always lock up tools and keep out of reach of children.
6. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry as they can be caught in
moving parts. Protective, electrically nonconductive clothes and nonskid footwear are
recommended when working. Wear restrictive hair covering to contain long hair.
7. Use eye and ear protection. Always wear ANSI approved impact safety goggles.
8. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
9. Use the right tool for the job. Do not attempt to force a small tool or attachment to do the work
of a larger industrial tool. There are certain applications for which this tool was designed. Do
not modify this tool and do not use this tool for a purpose for which it was not intended.
10. Stay alert. Watch what you are doing, use common sense. Do not operate any tool when you are tired.
11. Check for damaged parts. Before using any tool, any part that appears damaged should be
carefully checked to determine that it will operate properly and perform its intended function. Check for
alignment and binding of moving parts; any broken parts or mounting fixtures; and any other condition
that may affect proper operation. Any part that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced
by a qualified technician. Do not use the tool if any switch does not turn On and Off properly.
12. Replacement parts and accessories. When servicing, use only identical replacement
parts. Use of any other parts will void the warranty. Only use accessories intended for use
with this tool. Approved accessories are available from Harbor Freight Tools.
13. Do not operate tool if under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Read warning
labels on prescriptions to determine if your judgment or reflexes are impaired
while taking drugs. If there is any doubt, do not operate the tool.
14. Maintenance. For your safety, maintenance should be performed regularly by a qualified technician.

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15. The warnings, cautions, and instructions discussed in this instruction manual
cannot cover all possible conditions and situations that may occur. It must be
understood by the operator that common sense and caution are factors which
cannot be built into this product, but must be supplied by the operator.
WELDING PRECAUTIONS
1. If you perform any welding using the materials that have been bent by this tool, it is important that
you remember that there are additional safety precautions that must be taken. Of course, you should
follow all warnings and instructions provided by the manufacturer of the welding equipment used.
2. Be aware of flying sparks. Only weld in an area that does not contain any materials which can be
ignited by flying sparks. Extinguish any significant flying sparks before continuing to weld.
3. Protect yourself and others around you from burns which can be caused by flying sparks.
4. Make certain that you have a fire extinguisher accessible.
5. Never weld in an atmosphere which might contain flammable fumes.
6. Periodically during welding, and after completion of a job, inspect your area
for any ignition which may have been caused by flying sparks.
7. Never leave your welder unattended while it is plugged in.
8. Always wear electrical insulating clothing, gloves and shoes while using your welder.
9. Flying sparks can cause injury, and hot materials can cause burns. Please wear appropriate
safety clothing, and observe precautions to prevent burns or injury to yourself or others.
10. Wear protective clothing such as heavy gloves, apron and boots.
11. Do not look directly into the welding arc without appropriate protective eye shields.
12. Do not allow others to look directly into the arc without appropriate eye protection.
13. Wear protective gloves while welding. Welding causes the metal to become very hot, which can
cause burns. Do not touch welded areas until you are certain they have completely cooled.
14. Do not place weld materials where others can touch them, or where they can cause a fire.
15. The electrode, and especially the welding rods become very hot during welding.
Exercise extreme caution to prevent burns to yourself or others.
16. Read and adhere to all warnings and instructions in the instruction manual
provided by the manufacturer of the welder being used.

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Assembly
Your Compact Bender-Floor will require complete assembly prior to operation. It is important that
you read the entire manual to become familiar with the unit BEFORE you use the Compact Bender.
Before assembling your Compact Bender, be sure that you have all parts described in the Parts List.
When assembling your Compact Bender, it will be helpful to refer to each of the
operational Figures as well as to the Parts List and Assembly Diagram.
Mounting Surface: The mounting surface must be flat, level and capable of supporting the
weight of the Compact Bender combined with the materials to be worked with.
1. Bolt the Stand (11) to a flat, stable floor surface that is capable of supporting
the weight of this tool and the various workpieces to be used.
2. Place the three (3) Mounting Spacers (13) over each hole on the top of the Stand (11).
Mounting
Figure A: Assembly
3. Place the Ring Assembly/Die Receiver (10) over the three Mounting Spacers (13) so that the two holes
on the Ring Assembly (10) line up with the corresponding Mounting Spacers (13). Insert two (2) Mounting
Bolts (16) through the Ring Assembly (10), Mounting Spacer (13) and Stand (11). Tighten on Nuts (14).
4. Place the Ring Assembly Spacer (6) inside the arms of the Ring Assembly/Die Receiver (10)
between the back two holes. Insert the Mounting Bolt (15) through the Ring Assembly/
Die Receiver (10), through the Ring Assembly Spacer (6) and through the bottom hole in
the Ring Assembly/Die Receiver. Tighten it into place with the remaining Nut (14).
5. The Inner Handle (8) slides into the Outer Handle/ Die Receiver (9) and is held in place
by a Handle Pin and Hair Clip (12). The Inner Handle (8) can be fully extended by pulling
out the Handle Pin and Hair Clip (12) and pulling out the Inner Handle until the hole in
the Outer Handle (9) lines up with the holes at the end of the Inner Handle (8).
Ring Assembly/Die Receiver (10)
Long Hitch Pin (1)
Outer Handle/Die Receiver (9)
Inner Handle (8)
not shown
Figure B: Assemble Handle
6. Place the Outer Handle Die Receiver (9) between the Die Receiver (10)
and secure it in place using one of the Long Hitch Pins (1).

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Basic Operation
Following are instructions on the primary uses of your Compact Bender. Additionally, information is
included on the many ways to use your Compact Bender, along with specific examples. Becoming
familiar with the Compact Bender and its many uses will allow you to make a variety of useful items.
As the operator, you will have to decide on the way in which you will be using your Compact Bender.
The following are the basic steps you will need to take when working with the Compact Bender.
Use an appropriate measuring device to measure and:
1. Decide on material and measurements to be used.
2. Decide on the appropriate Die. Decide on the best placement of the Die for your particular bend.
3. Decide on the appropriate attachment, Stop Block or Right Angle Bend. Correct orientation of Stop Block.
4. Insert stock into the Bender and position it properly. Make the first bend.
5. Check the angle and direction of the bend.
6. Make all consequent bends. Adjust the workpiece as needed.
CAUTION! Keep fingers and hands away from moving parts at all times.
How the Holes Are Numbered
Throughout this manual, the holes are often identified by a specific number, i.e., the 3rd hole in the Handle.
There are five holes referred to in the Outer Handle/Die Receiver (9) and 5 holes referred to in the Ring
Assembly (10). For clarification of each hole and its corresponding number, please refer to Figure C below.
12345
12 3 4 5
Center Point
Outer Handle (9)
Ring Assembly (10)
Figure C: Numbering of Holes
Use of the Support Pin with the Square Stop Block
1. Place the Support Pin (5) into the hole under the Square Stop Block (3) so that the Square
Stop Block (3) will sit correctly in relation to the Ring Assembly/ Die Receiver.

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Long Hitch Pin (1)
Support Pin (5)
Square Stop Block (3)
Figure D
2. Insert the Support Pin (5) in the hole so that it sits under the Stop Block but does not block the Long Hitch
Pin (1) from going through the hole in the Stop Block and into the lower hole in the Ring Assembly (10).
If the Stop Block is correctly placed you should not have to clamp the workpiece into place. When working with
exacting bends, however, it may be helpful to clamp the workpiece into place using locking pliers (sold separately).
Placement of Die
Dies are placed at one or two different locations depending on the bend to be made:
1. A die can be used in conjunction with the Short Hitch Pin (2) at the intersection of the
Outer Handle/Die Receiver (9) and the Ring Assembly/Die Receiver (10).
2. The Die can also be placed on the Outer Handle/Die Receiver (9).
3. Two Dies can be placed so that one is on the Outer Handle/Die Receiver (9) and one at the center point
where the Outer Handle/Die Receiver (9) and Ring Assembly/Die Receiver (10) intersect-see Figure 3.
Orientation of the Handle
The Handle is always oriented up and on the right side. The Handle is
always moved clockwise when a bend is being made.
Use of the Square Stop Block
The Stop Block is so named because it stops the workpiece from turning while the
workpiece is being bent, thus “stopping” movement of the workpiece.
When bending your workpiece, place the Square Stop Block (3) over one of the holes in the Ring Assembly/
Die Receiver (10). You will have to do some testing to determine placement of the Square Stop Block. You
will need to place it over the appropriate hole for the bend you desire and the Die you are using.
1. There are four key positions to place the Square Stop Block (3) in while bending. The four positions (as seen
from looking down on the top of the Square Stop Block) are identified in this manual by a letter; A, B, C, or
D. See Figure 5 on the next page, for the letter and the corresponding position of the Square Stop Block.
WARNING! Always position the Stop Block so that it’s hole is oriented to the right side. Even though
another side of the Stop Block may actually face the work piece. If the hole is oriented left instead
of right, this will result in the Stop Block turning which will cause the workpiece to move.
2. Set the appropriate Die into place on the Outer Handle/Die Receiver (9) between the upper and lower fork.
Secure the Die in place by inserting the Short Hitch Pin (2) through the Outer Handle/Die Receiver (9) and the
Square Stop Block. The Square Stop Block (3) is held in place against the stock as shown in Figure 7 on page 12.
3. Set your workpiece into position. With the Handle (9) in the starting position, set the
Square Stop Block (3) as close to the Long Hitch Pin (1) at the center position, as possible.
Note: To avoid large spaces between the Stop Block, the Center Pin and selected Die,
orient the Square Stop Block differently, or if possible, move it one hole closer to center.

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AB
CD
Figure E: Stop Block Orientation
Use of the Right Angle Bend Attachment
Use the Right Angle attachment instead of the Stop Block when making a right angle or sharp bend in the stock.
The Right Angle Attachment fits on the Compact Bender only one way.
1. Install the Support Pin (5) under the Right Angle attachment. This will raise it up
so that it sits above the Ring Assembly/Die Receiver-see Figure 6.
2. Set the Support Pin into the 3rd hole on the Ring Assembly/Die Receiver (10). Line up the hole in the
top of the Right Angle Bending Attachment (7) with hole #2 in the Ring Assembly Die Receiver (10)
- see Figure F. Insert the Long Hitch Pin (1) through the second hole in the Ring Assembly/
Die Receiver(10) to secure the Right Angle Bending Attachment (7) in place.
Note: Your workpiece will not need to be clamped when you are using the Right Angle Bending Attachment (7).
3. Mark the stock at the points that you desire to make a bend. Line up the stock so
that the Right Angle Attachment hits directly at the midpoint of your mark.
Support Pin (5)
Insert Long Hitch Pin (1)
Figure F: Right Angle Bending Attachment
The Stop and Adjustable Stop Loop
Many times while using the Bender you will need to make repeated bends of the same type and angle. In these
instances, using the Adjustable Stop Loop (#26) or the Stop (#4) will save time and allow for precisely the same bends.
Adjust the Stop and Adjustable Stop Loop with a piece of scrap metal prior to using your actual
workpiece. This will assure accuracy and aid in obtaining ideal placement of the Stop.
Stop
1. Test and decide the amount and distance of Handle rotation to make the desired bend.
2. Place the Stop (4) into the next hole (clockwise) after your rotation is complete.

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Adjustable Stop Loop
Use the Adjustable Stop Loop (26) for stops where a finer adjustment is needed. The Adjustable Stop Loop allows
for more precise stops as it can be adjusted whereas the Stop (4) is simply placed into a hole on the Ring.
1. Test and decide the amount and distance of Handle rotation to make the desired bend.
2. Place the Adjustable Stop Loop (26) directly at the point where the rotation of the
Handleistoend.InsertMountingBolt(25)through3/8″Washer(24)toholdthe
Adjustable Stop Loop in place. Tighten on Washer (24) and Nut (27).
3. Try a test bend and adjust the Adjustable Stop Loop (26) as necessary to obtain a precise bend.
Now that the basic operating instructions have been described; it is time to practice using the Compact
Bender. We are going to show you how to make several useful items such as handles and anchor
bolts. We will also show you how to make letters of the alphabet for use in making decorative signs.
Once you practice on the Compact Bender and learn its capabilities, it should be easy to come up
with additional uses for the Compact Bender based on your interests and work requirements.
Project Ideas
MAKING HANDLES
Round Stock
To make handles using round stock, the Square Stop Block (3) is used rather than the Right Angle Attachment.
Usea10″pieceof5/8″roundstockandtwosectionsofflatstockfortheends.Themeasurementsgivenare
general guides only. Measurements should be adjusted according to your preferences and specific needs. If
changing stock size, you will have to experiment to obtain the best points for each bend.
1. Place the Square Stop Block (3) into place.
Square Stop Block (3)
1″Die
Extend2″pastDie
2″Die
5/8″RoundStock
Figure 7
2. WiththeHandle(part#8/9)inthenormalposition,placethe1″DieontheCenterPin.Place
the2″Dieinthe2ndhole-asinFigure7.Inserttheroundstocksothattheendextends
2″downpastthe1″Die-seeFigure7.Makethefirstbendat90degrees.

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3. Remove the round stock from its original position. Place the second end into the
Bender in the same way as the first bend. You want both ends to be bent in the same
direction. Make the second bend at 90 degrees. Remove from the Bender.
4. Decideonhowyouwanttheroundstocktofitwiththeflatstock.Drill5/8″holesinto
the flat stock at the desired position. Insert the round stock into these holes.
5. Weld the flat stock into place from the side where the round stock exits the flat stock.
Smooth away any excess weld material so that the handle sits flush in its place.
Flat Stock
To make handles using flat stock, the Right Angle Bending Attachment (7) is used rather than the Square Stop Block
(3).Usea10″(minimum)lengthof3/4″widex1″thickhot-rolledflatstock.
1. Set the Right Angle Bending Attachment (7) into place as previously outlined.
2. Mark off the material as shown below. Insert the stock into the Bender to the first mark. Bend to 90 degrees.
1-3/4″ 1-3/4″1-3/4″ 1-3/4″
1st Bend
2nd 3rd 4th
3. You may want to set up the Bender with the Adjustable Stop for repeated bends.
4. Flip the stock around and insert the end opposite the bend. Insert it to the 2nd mark and make a 90 degree bend.
5. Reverse the stock and make the 3rd bend at the 3rd mark. Repeat
for the other end and make a bend at the 4th mark.
6. With a sander or grinder remove any sharp edges or rough spots.
MAKING TUBE CLAMPS
Figure 8
Single Tube Clamp
Thefollowinginstructionsarefora1″InnerDiametertubeclampusing4-1/2″long,3/16″thickx1″wideflatstock.
See Figure 7 as a reference.
1. Placea1″dieonthecenterpointholeandsecureitinplacewiththeLongHitchPin(1).
2. UsingtheShortHitchPin(2),placea1-1/2″dieintheOuterHandle2ndhole.
3. Set the Square Stop Block (3) into the 1st hole on the Ring Assembly (10).
Orient it as in B (Figure 5 on page 8 of this manual).
Square Stop Block (#3)
1″Die
Center Point Hole
2″
1-1/2″Die
Outer Handle (9)
Figure 9

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4. InserttheflatstockintotheBendersothatitextends1-3/4″beyondthecenterpoint.
Secure the stock into position against the Square Stop Block (3) with a clamp or vise grip.
5. Bend the stock past 180° until the die on the Outer Handle slides off of the stock.
6. Remove the Square Stop Block (3) and the die. Put on the Right Angle Bending Attachment (7).
7. With the workpiece as tight against the Long Hitch Pin (1) in the center
as is possible, make a right angle bend-see Figure 10.
Figure 10
Making Anchor Bolts-U Bolts
Figure 11
Followingthedirectionsshownbelowwillallowyoutomakea12″AnchorBoltfroma14-1/4″blank(seeFigure11
above).
As with all bending, you can make shorter or longer Anchor Bolts by changing the size of the blank. Use a scrap piece
to experiment with length and placement of bends.
1. Placea1″dieonthecenterpointholeandsecureinplacewiththeLongHitchPin(1).
2. UsingtheShortHitchPin(2),placea2″dieintheOuterHandle2ndhole.
3. Using the Long Hitch Pin (1) set the Square Stop Block (3) into place. Set the Stop Block
ineitherpositionBorD(seesection:UsingtheSquareStopBlock).PositionB(3/8″
or1/2″diameterbolts)orD(5/8″diameter)accordingtotheboltbeingused.
4. Place the stock into the Bender so that the unthreaded end is extended sufficiently beyond the
SquareStopBlock(3)-(1/2″for3/8″bolts;5/8″for1/2″bolts,and1/4″for5/8″bolts).
5. Move the Outer Handle (9) until you have obtained a 90 degree bend.