Bending 101

[tippie53]

The bending of wood is a simple process. Heat , that relaxes the wood cells and this allows the cells to crush , thus bending wood. So what is the secret to making a good bend . I use a pattern to pre shape a side. I don't want to make the pattern 100% perfect as I want to be able to set the rim up in the mold. This is what the radius disks allow you to do.
If you allow some "trim room" you can true things up very well. Martin does it this way , Henderson , David Nichols , and many more. Dont force yourself to try and make it perfect. It won't happen. Allowing the mold , and dish to true things up is the best way for that exact fit.
Check out the you tube vids, Bending #3 and in Prepping the rim. If you want that perfect neck fit , and have a straight fret board this will do it.