Bending Iron
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Bending Iron
It's high time I learn to bend my wood. I picked up this small bending iron from EBay. The iron stands about 15" tall. The base is about 6" x 8". The iron is weighty for its diminutive size. What caught my attention was the temperature control. The unit displays Celsius only.
I tested the unit by setting the temp at 100° C (212° F). The unit was holding 102°, so I assumed the little blue screw to the right of the temp controls, to be a calibrator. I was right. I turned the screw counterclockwise and the temp dropped to 100°.
You can hear the thermostat clicking on and off frequently , exhibiting fine control of the temperature. It stayed within 1° of the setting. It's a small unit. I'm going to mount it onto a piece of plywood, so I can carry it where I want, then clamp it down. Although it's small, it's big enough to bend guitar sides.
I tested the unit by setting the temp at 100° C (212° F). The unit was holding 102°, so I assumed the little blue screw to the right of the temp controls, to be a calibrator. I was right. I turned the screw counterclockwise and the temp dropped to 100°.
You can hear the thermostat clicking on and off frequently , exhibiting fine control of the temperature. It stayed within 1° of the setting. It's a small unit. I'm going to mount it onto a piece of plywood, so I can carry it where I want, then clamp it down. Although it's small, it's big enough to bend guitar sides.
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Re: Bending Iron
you will want to be about 350 for bending
also there is a learning curve. Take your time
also there is a learning curve. Take your time
John Hall
Blues Creek Guitars Inc
Authorized CF Martin Repair Center
president of Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans
http://www.bluescreekguitars.com
Blues Creek Guitars Inc
Authorized CF Martin Repair Center
president of Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans
http://www.bluescreekguitars.com
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Re: Bending Iron
Also bend lot of scrap of various species and thicknesses, fast and slow, including going beyond the breaking point to get a good feel for how the wood gives, sets, and breaks, etc. You might also play with the position of the iron for ergonomics. I started with a horizontal pipe and moved on to bend with a vertical pipe. (Actually I now use John's gizmo, much faster and very easy and accurate.)
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Re: Bending Iron
Thank you both for your insight. I will definitely do as you both suggest.
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Re: Bending Iron
Very neat looking iron Diane. I bet way cheaper then what the guitar supply houses are selling?
It looks a lot better than the one I made too.
It looks a lot better than the one I made too.
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Re: Bending Iron
I practiced once bending horizontally and planned to do that on the figured maple for real. But now i have second thoughts. I wonder about accuracy, particularly regarding keeping the bend square. So you feel vertical is better? Any further tips for the nube?Danl8 wrote:...I started with a horizontal pipe and moved on to bend with a vertical pipe. (Actually I now use John's gizmo, much faster and very easy and accurate.)
Thank you.
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Re: Bending Iron
With vertical bending it's easier to see the curvature develop --you can look down on the edge of the wood-- and horizontal gives the advantage of using your weight to assist bending -- at least I find it easier to bear down on the wood that way. Thin wood bends pretty easily making the latter less advantageous. I always have a curvature template right there to constantly check the accuracy of the bend, both the curve and any unwanted skew. The machine compares favorably to manual bending I find, but I still use the pipe for lute ribs and single purfling strips. For purfling I have a slot cut in the metal that supports the strip on three sides to help with bending.ChuckBarnett wrote:I practiced once bending horizontally and planned to do that on the figured maple for real. But now i have second thoughts. I wonder about accuracy, particularly regarding keeping the bend square. So you feel vertical is better? Any further tips for the nube?
Thank you.
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Re: Bending Iron
Do you have a photo of the iron and purfling slot?Danl8 wrote:With vertical bending it's easier to see the curvature develop --you can look down on the edge of the wood-- and horizontal gives the advantage of using your weight to assist bending -- at least I find it easier to bear down on the wood that way. Thin wood bends pretty easily making the latter less advantageous. I always have a curvature template right there to constantly check the accuracy of the bend, both the curve and any unwanted skew. The machine compares favorably to manual bending I find, but I still use the pipe for lute ribs and single purfling strips. For purfling I have a slot cut in the metal that supports the strip on three sides to help with bending.ChuckBarnett wrote:I practiced once bending horizontally and planned to do that on the figured maple for real. But now i have second thoughts. I wonder about accuracy, particularly regarding keeping the bend square. So you feel vertical is better? Any further tips for the nube?
Thank you.