MAKING THE SIDE-BENDING FORM:
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. |
 |
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).
 |
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!!!!