Heat Bending Tube?

[mandough]

I'm not sure how to make one of these to start bending my sides.
What size tube and what kind of torch? What kind of tube material?
How does one connect these two to make it stable for bending sides?
If anyone has an easy plan or some pics of theirs, I would greatly appreciate it.

[austin]

I use the black steel piping that you would use for a gas line.
I use a 1" diameter with a 2" long, smooth connecter/cuff that has a slightly larger diameter on the end. #This gives me to different diameter surfaces to work from. #I find I use mostly the larger part for mandolins, the smaller pipe being good for violin "c" bouts. #The whole thing is about 8" long. #I mount it in my vise so I can work off the end with the two different diameter curves.

I use a simple propane torch with a hobby tip extension (gives an adjustable flame). I clamp it so it points into the pipe with a slight upwards angle. #If you put it too far into the pipe it will blow out and you won't know it, so leave it near the opening.
sorry, no pics....

it is a pretty simple setup and make sure you keep it clean and dry when finished with it.
-hope that helps,
austin

ps. if your bench vise has wood pads, you might take them out or insulate them with something.

[Luthier Vandross]

I use a 1-3/4" solid alumimum rod, with a 1" milled end for mando sides. This is hooked up to a common rheostat, that connects to two bolts embedded in the rod.

Plug in, turn on, and heat up. You have complete control over temp, 'tis easy.


M

[mandough]

Hey there Luthier Vandross,
I've seen one like this one in the photo. Is this something like the one you use?
I'd love to make one of these.
Where does one get a Rheostat? How do you make it?
I thought that I would go this way instead of the "torch" way because then I wouldn't have to worry about the propane running out.
Also thought it would be nice to be able to set the temp, or at least control it to a degree.
Anyone else have any ideas on this as well?

[thistle3585]

I've been thinking about getting one also. What are the pros and cons between a bender and a heat blanket?

[Chris Baird]

I know it looks like Mickey Mouse made this but it works realy well. #It is a pipe, an electric charcoal lighter, and a dimmer switch rated for the lighter's wattage. #As you can see the lighter was a yardsale item; $1. #A fine bending tube made for less than $10. I now use a heating blanket for most my bending but you will always need a good bending tube for tweaking things and for wood binding(if you do it).

[Kent Barnes]

I just bought one of those charcoal lighters for about $9 new, and had to "form" it to fit inside the pipe. My problem so far has been not being able to adjust the temperature. As it is, it gets too hot and scorches the wood. I will have to get a dimmer! Other than that, this type of setup works great. I started bending the rim for Harlan #3 this weekend.

[amowry]

I use a big old soldering iron, and just stick it inside the tube. It's easy to adjust the temp by sliding it in and out. By the way, with any of these electric setups it's important to remember what your mom taught you about mixing water and electricity.

[Luthier Vandross]

Hey! That looks like Mickey Mouse made it! (Goofy made mine)

You can get the parts at any appliance repair place, tell them what you want to do, and they will light up like a kid.. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif "You gonna burn somthin', ain'tcha?"..


Miles