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Is there a written chart "Bend Mahogany at ______ temp for the period of time of___________ " Start bending when temp hits____________
BY the way My shop is almost done! I split the photography studio in half. I'll gripe about the tight space when I shoot portraits but oh well.
So now I have a blank room 20' x 11' with a 10' ceiling! I'll move stuff in but not get started till after McKnight Jam and ASIA.
mean while I'll read read read

John Mayes includes a chart with his DVD's. It's John's material so I don't feel comfortable posting it here or making copies. Maybe John will read this and either post his chart or give me permission to post it.
My advice on bending, it's kinda tricky but doens't require any magic. I've recently started using Super Soft 2 and it really makes bending difficult(figured) woods easier. If possible I'd try to find a local builder(maybe Tim) to let you hang around and watch while they bend some sides. Watching the process in person, as well as being able to ask questions could really be helpful. You're welcome to come to my shop in North Carolina and watch me bend some stuff but that would be a long drive

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COOL! My laptop died. I haven't been watching DVD's. I have the Mayes collection. What I have seen I have enjoyed. I am overstimulated right now lol. Like Dorothy, I had the answer all this time". Thanks for the offer. After ASIA I plan on some driving and begging lessons/insight! I really would like to do this beautiful wood I have been blessed with some justice.

And for those who don't have John's DVD's, he posted an article on the 13th fret forum some years ago. You can find it here

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Look at Toddstocks tutorial here. If you use a mold, you may want to allow for a little 1/8-1/4" springback.

Basic layout is:Bottom Wood/paper/foil sandwitch, spring steel, blanket, springsteel.

I heat Hog to about 260 for 10 minutes, and then let it cook at around 220 for 1/2 hour. Thats all Im using for the forseeable future, If you bend figured wood, you might use the super soft.

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Here is what a Parlor Guitar is for!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEa8PkjO6_I

I can tell you there are many ways to bend wood. Some woods need moisture some don't.
Dryer woods are maple and mahogany.
High figure may need more.
Mahogany
I start bending at 270 degrees on the lower bouts , and once the wood is on the pattern I take it to 375 for 2 minutes. I then hold 15 min at 250 .
Maple the same.
PAduck Set on fire then bend , actually I bend this at 375 and once on the patten 250 for 15 min.
Most woods will bend well at 270.
In most cases wood should be done and on the pattern within 4 to 6 minutes once the heat is turned on.

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John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

Thank you Rod, I've bookmarked that one. Early on around here I got the feeling that there were some builders that seemed highly respected by nearly everyone. Now I've been around long enough to know who they are, and when they have something to say it's like E.F. Hutton is building guitars.

Darrin