June 29, 1999......After I finished the mold, I spent a few days mulling over how to make a side bending form. I had bought a silicone heating blanket from Luthiers Mercantile a couple of months ago, with the intention of eventually trying my hand at bending sides with a form. Now that I have the time, looks like I've gotta do it!!! I looked at Irving Sloane's side bending form in his book on making classical guitars, David Hurd's (Kawika) ukelele side-bending form, instructions on making the Fox Bending Form, and John Dodson's helpful photos and descriptions of his form. So, here I am again, making something new, one step at a time....
Today I made the basic form (without all the hardware yet). I was able to use the same template method I used on making my mold, which helped tremendously (I made the two half-guitar forms slightly smaller than the original template, to account for the depth of the aluminum sheet, the heating blanket, and the side.) I drilled 1/2" holes tangent to the edge of the forms. Then I glued 6" lengths of 1/2" dowel through the holes to support the two half forms, which were first screwed to a 6" wide platform. |
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Tomorrow I will continue. I will attach a 6" wide sheet of aluminum to the top of the form, make some supports and a base for the form, make the waist caul, and attach the various pieces of hardware that make it all work (once I figure out exactly how I want to do it).
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June 30, 1999.... Well, I finished the form today! I made the base, with slots to secure the aluminum sheet that will cover the sides. Next, I made, out of a 2X4, the caul for clamping the waist, and attached it to the form with an eyebolt and screw eye. Then I cut out the aluminum sheet, 6" by 36", and screwed it onto the form, using the waist caul to clamp it down. I cut another 6" by 36" sheet of aluminum (the one to cover the sides), drilled a hole in the ends for the eyebolt that's inserted into the base slots. Finally, I used 5/16" threaded rods, two 1-1/2" aluminum bars, and some more screw eyes and clamping knobs, for the device which will hold down the ends of the sides to the form once they're bent. |
It took me all day to do this. Even though it was extremely hot today (probably near the mid-90's), and I am extremely sweaty and tuckered out right now, it is a satisfying feeling to know that I was able to do this!!!! Tomorrow, I'll probably go get some 1/8" mahogany at the hobby store to try it out!!!!
GO TO..... |