I've built two rigs with exo cages using a HF bender. Works fine if you've got the patience to use it. I've bent 1" and 1.25" sch 40 with it. I used AMERICAN MADE pipe which is the same material as HREW tube. A lot of my tube came directly from the manufacturer, bullmoose tubing in Trenton , GA.
The 1.25" sch 40 measures 1.660" o.d. and .140" wall thickness. It is made with the same metal and process as HREW and I believe it's as strong or stronger than 1.5" or 1.75" hrew tube. I've had both, so I'm not just defending the "pipe".
On the other hand, the foreign made pipe is JUNK. I split a piece of it trying to bend it.
Overall I think the HF bender is great for the guy on a budget.
Here's what I've built with the HF "kinker".
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