Just got my oval A kit from Steve and first step is, of course, making the body. any tips on how to bend the sides to fit the form. I was thinking soak in water for 30 minutes, or so, then heat the side with a steam iron till limp them clamp to the form. Sound like I'm on the right track? Thanks! Michael C.
Mike, the thing about bending sides is that they cool quickly. You need to get them in the form quickly before the temperature drops. It is the heat that changes the wood structure so that it can take a new shape. The water is only the medium. Good luck.
Best to get a bending pipe Michael. Either an electric on like stewmac sells or a length of pipe you heat with a blowtorch. If the sides are maple, I don't think they like to be soaked and can be prone to cracking if too wet.
