Bending Figured Mahogany with Fox Bender Pt.1

[Beemerboy324]

I went around the aluminum foil thing by using stainless steel instead of carbon steel. I got my local sheet metal shop to shear me the 28 ga. strips I needed for $5.00 a piece. That is probably a bit better that aluminum and carbon steel.

[MDLuthier]

@Beemerboy324 If you can find spring stainless, you'll get the best of both worlds. if not, you'll want blue spring steel for tight cuts and other tight bends...plain stainless is fine for full body shapes.

[frg8888]

Great video. You makes It look simple. Where can I buy a digital thermometer like that? Also, are they pricey? Thank you

[MDLuthier]

@frg8888 Try Harbor Freight...their automotive multimeter includes a K type thermocouple and is ideal for measuring bending temps.

[frg8888]

@MDLuthier Happy Holidays. One last question. I found the K type thermocouple at Harbor Freight. How do you connect It to the blanket? Thanks

[MDLuthier]

@frg8888 Not connected to the blanket...just place the end between wood and paper near the widest aprt of the lower bout.

[JGF6237]

Can you tell us where you purchased your digital thermometer. Great Job!!!

[MDLuthier]

Most automotive multimeters will have a plug-in and meter setting for a 'K' type thermocouple to provide direct-reading temps in the bending range. The meter I show in the video is from Harbor Freight...Model 95670-6VGA for $37; however, often on sale for around $22.

[johncharnock]

Hi - You used three slats is that correct ?

[lcall88]

what type of paper do you use?

[MDLuthier]

The same brown or white paper used to wrap parcels - often refered to as kraft or butchers paper. I buy 30" long rolls of it at Target or Office Depot and band saw it to 6" lengths. I use white kraft paper on light colored woods such as holly and the standard brown paper on everything else.

[Archtops]

Your instruction is very clear, with no unnecessary commentary that can easily become distracting.

As a result, your tutorial is very easy to follow.

Thank you for such a fine job. Looking forward to more!

Best regards

[MDLuthier]

Thanks for the comments - much appreciated. I'm working on the Venetian cutaway video, as well as a quick vid of bending the Florentine cut section and working with hot hide glue - I'll have one of my students shooting, so might be a little easier to watch.

[Lightseeker777]

Thanks for the video. Where do you get Spring Steel for the slats? I have a real problem finding the material. Thanks.

[MDLuthier]

Try John Hall at Blues Creek Guitars - carries both spring stainless and blued spring steel.

[albertaboyz]

That was great. Thanks for taking the time to make this video.  Your instruction is very clear.

[MDLuthier]

FWIW, the folks using this method have mentioned that blanket on top seems to work better with solid forms. Also - if you are using stainless or aluminum slats (versus blued spring steel), the foil is not necessary. I use spring steel because it gives superior support when bending Venetian cutaways.

I should also mention that I use Super Soft II with most figured woods, and find it makes life easier. Yes - I still pipe bend stuff not worth a bending form (uke sides, Florentine cuts).