Runningdog is 100% correct. Wood is stupid , it gets hot it bends . The more complicated the machine the more it costs and more can go wrong. KISS Keep It Simple
Rick knew me when I started doing this in 2003 when we met at the ASIA symposium in Westminster Md. While I don't make a bender with light bulbs anymore , I do use the heating blankets. You just need to get to a good working temp to bend.
Most woods will work well in the 275 to 325 F degree range. The most common mistakes are
1 going to fast
2 going to slow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFNy93PM0Kc
this vid will show you the process. I have upgraded my technique a bit , I now use this layer
Pattern slat wet paper wood wet paper BLANKET slat
The thermometer is placed between the top slat and the blanket. I found that when you are using water , the steam is often cooler than the wood at surface level so I want to know how hot my blanket is. I start bending about 220 degree on the lower bout 250 on the upper and then drive the waste down allow to build heat to 325 to 375 .
The key is that you are done the actual bending part in 4 min and then you allow the heat to set the bend , then Once the upper heat is attained you set the unit to find 220 to 250 F for about 5 to 10 min to dry things up. Allow to cool then place in the mold and bend the other side.
On a good day I can bend about 8 sets ( 16 cycles )
We are here to help. I personally want to thank Mr Davis for his participation in this forum and his mentorship, he was a big help to me in my early days.