Thanks Will, before I start a project like this I keep a journal of what I want to be able to do and all the possible features I want to have in it and how it could interface with other tools/uses. Then I try to integrate those things into the build. My bender has a ton of other features that I didn't cover. I apologize that I did not address your initial question. If you do go the way of threaded inserts I would recommend you epoxy in 1/2"-13 female inserts either home made on your Atlas lathe (brought it back to relevant to this forum) or purchased, that go at least 4" into the slab, min 2' from the wall (better 3'or 4') and if a garage near the large opening door so one end can go into infinity. It may also make a difference if you are left or right handed, I would put your bender into a vice and do some test bending for a while to get a feel for how you might orient the bender. do consider that different bending attachments change the angles that you will be bending things at. The 90* attachment and Bulldozer die bend in opposite directions, bending a coil/circle requires a full extent swing and resetting, larger stock may require an extension handle that will take more room. Your imagination is your only limiting factor, don't ever say "I can't"!
--
Ken H in AZ
Knowledge is like manure, it won't do any good unless you spread it around.
Ken H