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Ok I bit the bullet and bought heating blankets and slats. I'm too laz.. I mean busy to build a form with clamps and springs and such. I already have a guitar mold which is the exact shape of my guitar (obviously). I was thinking why can't I use my exsisting mold as a form like this guy does http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDQs4rnLbZU
The only drawback I can think of is that the side may come out slightly too small considering the thickness if the slats and blanket between it and the mold.
Anyone think of a reason why I can't or shouldn't do it this way?

Put the blanket on the inside of the stack...something like this starting at the mold:

Mold/slat/wood/blanket/slat. Then, you will have heat on the outside of your waist curve which is your tightest curve. Staking the wood and slats and blanket this way, you will get the tightest fit to your mold.
Also, if you use craft paper to wrap the wood, consider NOT wrapping it, but instead, use two separate sheets of the craft paper. If you do it like that, you will not get any crinkles in the paper as it bends, and thus, no crinkle marks on your side once it is bent.
I was at Home Depot yesterday and they sell 12 inch wide rolls of brown paper. Should work just fine for our purposes if you cut it in half. Of course, you can leave it and fold it, but then you wind up with those pesky crinkle marks. Your call. I would use the mold as long as it wont get too hot or wet. I have a plywood mold and an MDF mold. Both are glued together. I would worry that the heat and moisture might hurt the MDF. Then again, my LMI bender has MDF forms, so I guess it wont!
Good luck!

Tony

Hey now Tony.
Thanks for the warning about krinkle marks. Wasn't aware of that possibility. I bought two blankets to make my life easier. Hopefully it will be better by heating both sides equally. Please say I'm right.

I made my mold with three layers of 1" MDF held together with white glue and dowels. I'll put a layer of Saran wrap to prevent water damage.

I also bought four slats. I was thinking mold/Saran/slat/blanket/slat/paper/wood/paper/slat/blanket/slat

Boy now that I look at that it seems like overkill. I tend to do things that way Tim "the tool man" Taylor style. "OH OH OH". I can't help myself. Wait till you see my super heated steam pipe bender. No I'm not kidding. It works too but super heated steam is really really... well... Hot! Even through double layered leather work gloves and a messy and complicated contraption. Anyway I'll post that endeavor later.

Anybody else our there that could help simplify my life?

hummingbird wrote:

Anybody else our there that could help simplify my life?

No. You need to see a shrink! Dont over think this stuff. It has been done tons of times already. Just follow what successful people have done and you will be fine. Or at least OK. Possibly mediocre. But usually, you will be fine!

Here's another warning -- actually I was going to make a separate post but Kraft paper and bending were mention here -- I always use white "parchment paper" when a liner is needed in the bending process -- Kraft paper is not bleached, contains impurities and can cause the mess seen below when moisture is applied -- again be forewarned, light color wood and Kraft paper do not mix. As seen in the second photo even acid bleach will not remove the stain. $.02

- I always use white "parchment paper

Where would I find this white parchment paper. Would aluminum foil work ok?

You'll find parchment paper at the super market in the baking supplies. Aluminum foil does not let the moisture escape as well.

Ken,
I actually wondered if the stuff at home depot would make marks. I have a giant, as in 200 yards long, roll of white, acid free, archival quality paper. I will use that instead!

While I do use kraft paper , I also have well water so I don't have water chemistry affecting me . You can use any paper that won't fall apart when wet . Avoid any ink .
Also temp can play a big part. most woods will bend well at 275 with a few exceptions . Also a touch of downy fabric softener ( 1 tbl to qt ) will help . Got that tip from CF Martin .

Thanks John. I would use distilled water. I've heard of the fabric softener trick but alway wondered if it would cause staining.

PS: I'm surprised nobody noticed that I considered using Saran wrap against the mold. I realized later that it would totally melt into a nasty mess.
I've since decided to make a proper form. I'll be working on that today. Hopefully I can finish it today and post some pics.