metal slats for the bending jigs

[ken cierp]

Tony is correct its not that difficult -- I would suggest that you practice with something other than your prized wood --- who could play "Classical Gas or "Sultan's of Swing" the very first time they pick up a guitar? Give your self the benefit of a learning curve. The cutaway is tricky the side should be no more than .075" The good news is that Walnut tolerate a lot of water and steam and bend rather easily. With any style bender it a good idea to have heat on the inside of the curves (compression side) so the addition of at least a short heat blanket is a good idea. And Note that at KMG we pre-bend the waist curve on a pipe!

[stevem]

I was wondering if it would be better to try and bend the waist and lower bout first and then come back after it cools and do the cutaway. Anyway, I went ahead and did the whole shootin' match at one time. I didn't hear any audible cracking noise so maybe in a few hours I'll have something to be proud of or... I also had the flash occur to me to use my heatgun on low on the outside of the bend for a while. You know, it wasn't half bad once I turned the timer on! Thanks for the pep talks

Steve

[ken cierp]

I bet the members would like to see pictures of your bender and the bents sides. Way to go!!

[stevem]

you know that to show pictures would be great- the fact that I'm actually chatting on the computer is a first for me as it is! And I have dial up. I live in the blue ridge mountains in a fairly dark hollow and barely see the sun. But I do have some perks where I live

Steve

[ken cierp]

Understood --- dial up is a challenge, just the same its really great that you are able join us and participate.

[TonyinNYC]

thanks Tony, Actually this is my 5th guitar but first with this bender that I built. I have already bent the easy side and it went as well as it should.

You're welcome. I didn't know it was your 5th. Where are the pics of your others? Or, have I seen them and I dont recall?

In the past I've used a pipe and bent this same walnut, I think you can look cross-eyed at and it would bend!
Steve

I tried that with some curly claro walnut and it bent a bit, but not enough for a cutaway! Though wish it had!

[segovia]

I used steel and got caught out with Tannin, so I got some stainless steel slats made up but have not had a chance to use them yet

See attached

J