Fox Bender Problems

[Peter Lynch]

Hi all ,
while I practise with my new bending iron I will still need to use my homemade Fox Bender utilising a heat blanket and stainless steel slats . The stainless steel slats I am using ( .6mm thick ) have taken on the shape of a guitar side and make the setting up of the side to be bent awkward and clumsy . I am wondering if other forum members are using either thinner slats or another more flexible material that will withstand the temperature involved ( say up to 150c ) that would make the task easier ?

[Bob_H]

Hi Peter - you might want to look at spring steel - it shouldn't hold the shape. You can pick it up fairly cheaply through Aliexpress, or even possibly LMI in the USA. I recently asked a few local steel suppliers but it couldn't find a local provider that came close to matching international prices (perhaps i just don't know the right people!). Someone else on the forum might be able to suggest a local supplier.

[Dave M]

Yup had the same problem. Spring steel is the answer though since it rusts you need to wrap the wood in Al foil to keep the moisture off the steel.

I couldn't find a supplier in the UK and ended up buying from - was it LMI or Stewmac...? Again as Bob says perhaps I just didn't know my way round the metals market.

[Allen]

I use Aluminium roofing flashing instead of stainless or spring steel. As you found out the stainless is just a PITA and spring steel rusts. Especially when you live in the wet tropics. Flattens out easily after use.

I use a piece on either side of my timber. Also use a piece to back up timber when bending on the bending iron

Go into your local building supply (Bunnings) and get yourself a roll. I've been using the same pieces now for 15 years and many hundreds of instruments.

[joel]

Allen, thanks for the brilliant tip!

Do you use the 0.3mm or 0.7mm stuff?

https://www.bunnings.com.au/consolidate ... h_p1100453
https://www.bunnings.com.au/consolidate ... h_p1106554

[Allen]

Probably 0.7mm. Never measured it and like I said it's been around for 15 years or so.

0.3mm I think would not provide much support.

[yakka]

Aluminium Flushing is very good
regards
Chris

[Peter Lynch]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions , I have ordered a set of spring steel slats from LMI , should do the trick .
Thank you again for taking the time to post your suggestions