Side Bending Alpine Ash

[TimS]

It was brought to my attention that Alpine Ash was tricky to bend. The only issue i had previously was blue spotting from iron ions in the water, so I used distilled water to manage that. I should say that if you use too much moisture it will react so finding the right amount may require a little tweaking. It may be useful to clean the bending meta to remove any residual presence of iron.
My approach is with the controller set at a target of 135 celsius, initial 3/4 bend at the centre, pull down the ends and then finish back at the waist. I find the Bessey Duo clamp quite handy for this as you can creep/close the gap gradually.

On this particular bend there was no grain separation but there some iron reaction on the inside surface at the waist position (see image 6). Possibly less water or clean the metal slats better.

[martintaylor]

You should be able to get rid of the stains with some oxalic acid.

[kiwigeo]

Wrapping the wood on butchers paper prior to going in the bender helps....I do this with Tassie Blackwood.

[Nick]

Wrapping the wood on butchers paper prior to going in the bender helps....I do this with Tassie Blackwood.

Butchers paper? Is that the same as 'virgin' newsprint/ Fush 'n' Chup paper?

[kiwigeo]

Wrapping the wood on butchers paper prior to going in the bender helps....I do this with Tassie Blackwood.

Butchers paper? Is that the same as 'virgin' newsprint/ Fush 'n' Chup paper?

Actually I meant to say brown parcel paper....it's what they'd wrap your fush 'n' Chups in if you live in Toorak Melbourne.