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  1. #1
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    Apr 2021
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    Question Bending Timber for instrument sides.

    I am trying to bend Queensland Walnut sides for an Irish Bouzouki. What methods would be prefered. I am looking at steam. Any guide lines.

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  3. #2
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    May 2013
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    Rockhampton QLD
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    Welcome to the forum.

  4. #3
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    Welcome Joe

  5. #4
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    Nov 2004
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    Redlands area, Brisbane
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    Luthiers use a bending iron to bend the sides of instruments. If you go to YouTube and search with luthier side bending you will find tons of videos on the topic.

    You can buy or build a bending iron. Again, searching will find you loads of options for build or buy. Myself, I think I would just buy one from AliExpress or BangGood. You probably need to spend somewhere north of $60.

  6. #5
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    Thumbs up

    Thanks for the info, I will start research

  7. #6
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    Jun 2008
    Location
    Bega NSW
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    131

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    I use a hot pipe heated with a gas torch, so you don't need to spend anything on electric bending irons. Just heat it up so a drop of water sizzles off on the surface, dampen the wood and bend away. I have two pipes, one about 4 inches in diameter, one about 1 1/2 inch. Cost me nothing from a scrap pile and has been good for 27 years.

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
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    Valla Beach
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    I've got exactly the same setup as Mandoman, it was probably him who told me what to use some years ago now. I've tossed out a lot of my jigs now, but still have those two water pipes. If you lived closer I would give them to you.

    Paul

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