You'll notice the 17mm socket welded to the threaded rod, for no slip action. And the duct tape on the threads of the gas pipe handle, for maximum protection of the operator.
We fiddle with the tube all the time. Notice it is right out there to keep an eye on it. When we finish with this car we will get back to other fun things.
Here we are lining up the variable radius rollers. All these tools have to be held in square in place in all 3 dimensions...it can get quite tedious. If they are not lined up, the bending machine is so powerful it will simply crush the tube at worst, and leave a nasty line in it at best. Nasty lines are horrible stress raisers.
Notice the collet I made last week in place and doing its job of holding the tube in place. It also orients the tube if we need it to.