Australian/New Zealand Luthiers Forum

Don't know if I've posted about this, but a while ago I realised I could bend a side in not much more time than I could put one in a machine, so I thought it a good idea to make a bender that could handle a pair of sides at once. I based the design on the Mike Doolin machine where the slats are under tension to prevent cracking.

I got the slats and buckle clamps from McMaster Carr in the US and the blanket is a custom made 110V number from Keenovo. It runs on an old LMI controller and timer and converter. The sides are wrapped in paper and sandwiched between layers of bbq paper to prevent staining. The metal frame is welded up from bits from Bunnings. It's a simple machine that works really well. Never had an issue with it.

Here I am making the form:
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cfzv9S-jyiF/

Here it is in action:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CyuR2llSqnC/
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cqq0OQXrVrg/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CpboP2yjZvg/

Nice work Nigel.

I got sick of the blankets and forms and have gone back to bending my sides on an iron. Nothing beats having the swear job full and a nice set of fresh burns on your arms after a bending session.