Rim Assembly

[RRR]

I'm building my first mandolin based on Simonoff's (first) book. #I have the bending form ready, and the side wood about ready to go.

My question - is it beneficial, or perhaps harmful, to soak the wood in hot water, or even to steam it, prior to heating it over the propane torch/bending pipe?

I already have a steam box and boiler set-up for making #bent parts of Windsor chairs. #My thought is to steam the side wood and perhaps that would totally negate the need to use the open flame of the propane torch.

Any guidance, or tips on the process would really be appreciated.

[Luthier]

You will get conflicting opinions on this one RRR. #I steam my 1/4" maple plys for my banjo rims but for my mandolin sides and my guitar sides which are much thinner, I spray water on the wood then shape the bend over a heated pipe. #This is just one opinion but it has worked for me with great results.

Don

[Mario Proulx]

If you have heavy flame or quilt in your ribs, you do not want to steam them, you don't even want to soak them in hot water. The short grain, once wet, easily fails(breaks).

Use the hot pipe, and use just enough water to prevent scorching, and to help transfer the heat through the rib.

Steam bending is for large, thick pieces.....

[P Josey]

M. Proulx
After two failed attempts (cracks) to bend the long side, including the scroll area, I took a break and checked out the Cafe. I read your post, went back to the shop, cut back on the moisture a bit, and voila...success. I'll try to post a photo.

[P Josey]

I'll try this again.

[P Josey]

I can't seem to upload a photo from my digital camera. I'm almost afraid to ask for help on this one because I know it's been covered a numbers. Having said that, I could use direction on posting a photo.

[P Josey]

One more try and I'll give it up.

[Keith Newell]

Paul, I agree with M. Proulx. I found that less water and more heat was good on the heavy figured woods. I bent these today in an hour (see other thread) http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin....t=15783 (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=7;t=15783)
Most important thing is patience.
Keith Newell

[P Josey]

Hey

[P Josey]

At last!!! Thanks for the posting instructions mandolinkgn.

[RRR]

Thanks for the tips. #I think I'll leave the steaming operation for the larger, thicker items. #I should have figured as much - usually it's the ring porous woods that steam bend the best. #

# #Thanks Again