Heat Blanket Bending System Plans

[mandomaniac]

Thought I'd stick a note in here to let builder folks know I have plans now available for a complete heat blanket bending system. It allows for complete control of temperature and time. Hot pipes or light bulbs just can't compare! Applicable to all types of forms. It will making bending SO much easier/accurate. DIY and your cost can be not much more than the blanket alone from most suppliers. Check in the Classifieds (For Sale) for details. Had posted already there....but figured some builders that might be interested might not be checking the Classifieds. Give me a holler if interested...Thanks! # #......Tom

[mandomaniac]

Recent customer (of completed system) sent me some feedback...he was PLEASED to say the least...included some pics I will try to pass along. This system is applicable to most any form...as evidenced by his use of a universal workboard! How's THAT for potential!! Change outline at will....WOW. He also confessed to bending the first side 'wrong side out' and used system to COMPLETELY REBEND to correct orientation. Try that with a pipe or bulbs!
Hopefully these pics will come through....http://img23.photobucket.com/albums/v69/mandomaniac/RicksHeatBendingSyst1.jpghttp://img23.photobucket.com/albums/v69/mandomaniac/RicksHeatBendingSyst4.jpg

[Michael Lewis]

That's all well and good, but where is the mandolin form? How do you bend a F style set of sides with your set up?

[twombo]

Yes, Michael, that is the acid test! Especially that damn scroll!!!!

[mandomaniac]

O, ye of little faith...I use this system to build mandos ....I use solid forms for each of the three side sections in F5. Also...just finishing a prototype mando with cutout (cutout side all one piece). So TIGHT CURVES are NO problem. This fella just happens to build guitars...hence the pics. As soon as my digital camera gets delivered...(i'm impatiently waiting!) I wll be able to show more and share some pics of my own. Rest assured...the tight scroll on the F5 comes out perfectly accurate to form. No springback. #MAGIC!!! #no kidding!
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
Tom

[John Bertotti]

Mandomaniac thanks for posting it here. I for one do not check the classifieds. I would like to see a picture of it by itself, when you get the camera.Thanks John

[twombo]

Hey, if it will help bend the scroll piece, I'm game! Can't wait for your pix.

Honest I wasn't doubting ya. That scroll piece is a bit of a pain, as you well know! I have broken just a few me self.