Light bulb heated side benders

[ken cierp]

Here's an idea for a single profile style side bender -- easy to use, easy to make

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z94/ ... bender.jpg

Here you can see the component parts, assembly scheme and how to bend with it.

http://www.kennethmichaelguitars.com/spartanbender.html

[ken cierp]

Fully enclosing the form takes the bulb heated bender to the next level by eliminating the hassle of aligning the three layer "slats-wood-slat" sandwich. But more importantly the heat is captured and the bender is then much like the "factory" benders providing even heat to the inside curves. The skin is made of .023" aluminium available at the big box home improvement store. Pre-drill holes and use #18 brads, cover the brads to reduce the chance of rust stains -- the furnace tape is also available at Lowe's and HDepot

[Eric_K]

I always wondered about changeover time in the fox bender. This seems like a good idea to me.

[Josh Biner]

Ken,

I am in the process of making a modified side bender without a press screw mount and I really like the swivel bolt and the laminate caul design for the spartan bender. Did you use a forged eye bolt with a carriage bolt through the eyelet and what is the size? The eye bolts get pricey.

Thanks for the invite to the forum!!

Josh b

[ken cierp]

Hi Josh,

Actually those are off the shelf 1/2" "tie rod/trunnion assemblies" -- we were buying ours from Family Farm and Home. I believe "Tractor Supply" has them as well -- its a common hardware item.

[Josh Biner]

Ken,

Thanks a lot; it would have taken me forever to figure it out.

Josh Biner

[Dave Bagwill]

Ken - is there a materials list/spec sheet available for the spartan bender?