Acoustic Guitar Construction

I made the mistake of buying LMI's blanket and new control unit when my older blanket wore out thinking that I could get better control of the max temperature- hasn't worked out! First off I found out that LMI reduced the wattage of their blankets, I set the temperature to 325 degrees and turned the unit on, after 20 minutes the temperature never got over 285 degrees, never got hot enough to bend Sapele. Called LMI, they said my solid waist caul was acting as a heat sink, OK I built a new caul like theirs and the same result, another call and the next reason was that I was using a solid form- built another form like theirs, again the same results! Another call, this time I asked if anyone tests their products, oh yes, then why doesn't the unit get hot enough to bend sides? All I got form LMI was excuses and that I was doing something wrong, I've bent 85 sets of sides I know what I'm doing. They were very reluctant to give me a refund so I ordered a Omega blanket and went back to my old system of a restat and timer, everything is back to normal! If anyone wants a LMI blanket and Controller cheap, let me know. I dread having to get stuff from LMI, I wish there was someplace else to get supplies.

Bob - with the Omega blankets are you using 2.5 watt /sq. in or 5 watt /sq. in.?

I calculate the new LMI blankets to

5.75in x 37 in = 212.75 sq. in.
638 watts / 212.75 sq. in. = 2.999 watts/sq. in.

I'm just about to order some blankets from Omega, and have read some have great success with 2.5 watt and others 5 watt. Want to be sure I get the right rating for both side and waist bending.

Our 36x6 blankets are 2.5 watt per -- they can get to above 350 degrees!!

Actually there's a bunch of info in this thread relative to specs and how to controll the temperature.

viewtopic.php?f=8&t=45

Daniel,
I think it's the 2.5, whatever, it gets up to temperature quickly. The LMI item heats too slow, the wood dries out before the temperature gets high enough to bend the side. I just lightly sprize the side to keep from scorching the wood so I like a faster heat up. I bend quite a few mahogany's and like to get to325 degrees to start the bend.

thanks guys - just got my 2.5watt 6x36' side blanket and a 5 watt 6x6" waist blanket from Omega. Now to build a 00 form, and bend some maple and ziricote.

from Omega
6x36" 2.5 Watt - SRMU020636
6x6" 5 watt - SRMU050606-P (The "P" indicated adhesive backed, they were out of stock on regular, but said adhesive wipes off with acetone)

I found an extra Fuji controller out in the shop, spare from building some glass kilns a few years ago and will use this with a SSR to control the blanket - not necessary, but I have the parts around, and it will allow precise temperature control.
No, I will not be bending at 340 degrees, was just testing to make sure the controller still powered on.

Hi guys.

Having trouble with my omega blanket (and the controller but one thing at a time). They sent me one which got creased when doing the waist and after a few bends smoked up and died! They replaced it no problem but just messing around with this one and I have the same bobbly creases.the minimum radius for the blanket is supposed to be 2 inches which is less than my l00 waist but not by much. Do your blankets have this creasing?

Thanks all

Mike

Pic of crease on the new mat.