Advice on tools for fabrication

[BomarFab]

I would get a band saw for cutting metal. If you watch Craigslist you can find some good deals, same with drill presses. I have a large Delta from Lowe's and it works well.

For the tube bender check out the plans on gottrikes.com. I built one about 10 years ago, cost was under $400 with a set of dies, and it's air over hydraulic.

 

[Jfive]

Someday I plan on this bender. http://www.eastwood.com/professional-tubing-bender.html