New Side Bender design

[rienk]

I finally got around to putting together the parts of my new side bender design.
This is what I consider the best combination of features. it uses cantilevered presses like the LMI so that you can load/unload from the side, but it allows you to use either/both the LMI or Fox/BCG type rollers on the side molds. I also have a different cutaway press that allows for a quick-connect strap on the front, so that it balances the tension load on both the front and back sides... not sure if it is needed, but I allowed for it in the machining, just in case (I'll show pictures of that part when I've assembled the next bending machine - I'm making four).
This one has the cut outs for the LMI controller, which is what my buddies at PBG use, but for mine I'll have a different cutout to insert the heat controller and timer like BCG and others use.

Once I work the bugs out of this design, I may be making the cut files available to others who would like to build their own. Or if someone else wants to provide kits for this? We'll see...

[rienk]

Here is my Side Bender with a mold in it, as well as the waist and cutaway cauls installed.
I hope to be bending some sides next week!

[Darryl Young]

It looks nice. I can't tell from the pictures, can you bend both sides at once? Can't tell if th eform is wide enough for that or not. Can you bend binding/purfling on the form? Couldn't tell what kind of support was in the middle of the forms.

[rienk]

It looks nice. I can't tell from the pictures, can you bend both sides at once? Can't tell if th eform is wide enough for that or not. Can you bend binding/purfling on the form? Couldn't tell what kind of support was in the middle of the forms.

No, this is for one side at a time.
It should be able to do linings, bindings, purflings (function of the slats), though I may need to put in some cross dowels for the small stuff?