Fabricating tubing isn't easy but I have researched a method called "Lobster back bends" that makes DIY tubing possible at home. All you really need is a section of tubing, a chop saw, and some free time. Once you get the rings cut correctly you can hold them together with tape and take them to a good welder to have them tacked and finished.
This method eats up a lot of time and materials like welding rods and gas but it is cheaper than a mandrel bender and you can make tight compound curves with it. Plus, it also looks really cool.
This software maps out the slices so you can print patterns to tape to the tube.
Lobster Back Bends
How to.
Making Lobster Back Piping - Skylines Australia - Page 3
So sexy.
