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| Bending tips for Myrtle? http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=26562 |
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| Author: | MaxBishop [ Mon Mar 15, 2010 2:06 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Bending tips for Myrtle? |
Hi all, I have started building a guitar from Oregon Myrtle (aka California/Bay Laurel). I have never worked with this type of wood before. So I have no experience bending it. Can anyone tell me the temperature(s) to use on a Fox-type side bender for this type of wood? A bit of additional information - this will be a classical size guitar with no cut-away. Thanks, Max |
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| Author: | MaxBishop [ Mon Mar 15, 2010 2:17 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Bending tips for Myrtle? |
Forgot to mention that this wood has quite a bit of figure (moderate fiddleback), like a lot of Myrtle. |
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| Author: | SteveCourtright [ Mon Mar 15, 2010 3:15 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Bending tips for Myrtle? |
Max, I have bent two sets over an iron (so no idea about what temperature) and had no problems of any kind. The least figured of the two sets had the most amount of "ripple" which easily sanded out. Probably could have avoided that with backing. My thought would be to bend at the same temp as maple to avoid scorching. It should go easier than Maple. |
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| Author: | Mike Collins [ Mon Mar 15, 2010 3:19 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Bending tips for Myrtle? |
Max -I can't tell you the temp. because I have NO way of knowing it. BUT - I get the side bender so the water dances off -then sprits(with water) the Myrtle and it always bends great ! Just make sure it's supported on both sides by the slats. I just bent Wild figured Brazilian & Ebony the same way with NO breakage.-GO slow-listen for the click tone of a wood splitting . My sides are .080 -or 2mm Mike |
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| Author: | MaxBishop [ Mon Mar 15, 2010 6:20 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Bending tips for Myrtle? |
Bump |
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| Author: | MaxBishop [ Tue Mar 16, 2010 5:44 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Bending tips for Myrtle? |
Thanks for your responses, Mike and Steve. Your input is greatly appreciated. Max |
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| Author: | Dan Roach [ Tue Mar 16, 2010 6:57 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Bending tips for Myrtle? |
Max, I have bent two sets now on a Fox style bender and it really is a dream to bend. I probably went overboard, but using the following technique resulted in absolutely no springback at all. Package from bottom to top: Stainless steel slat Brown "Kraft" paper wet with distilled water. Myrtle side wet with distilled water Brown "Kraft" paper wet with distilled water Stainless steel slat Blanket Spring steel slat I start the bend at around 270*F (lots of steam) and when the bend is complete set the controller to variable and adjust the temperature to stay around 300*F. I set the timer at 40 minutes when I start the bend so I let it cook for whatever time is remaining after the bend is complete. Of course, let it cool completely before removing from the bender. This method has been demonstrated for bending highly figured or difficult to bend woods, but I really like the stability of the wood so I just use this method for everything. Here is a picture of some myrtle I just pulled out of the bender a few days ago. |
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| Author: | MaxBishop [ Tue Mar 16, 2010 11:04 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Bending tips for Myrtle? |
Thanks, Dan. You gave me everything I was looking for. I'll actually bend the sides in week or so. Thanks again, Max |
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| Author: | SteveT [ Tue Mar 16, 2010 12:28 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Bending tips for Myrtle? |
Max- I've bent two sets for classicals recently with no problems using a Fox bender. Only differences from what DanR did are the following: Started to bend at 240 F. Did not wet my parchment paper, just spritzed the wood. Cooked only for 15 minutes. The first set had a small kink where the grain took a 90-degree turn, but that sanded out after closing the box. The second set was perfect (or as good as one could wish). No springback on either set. Good luck! |
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| Author: | MaxBishop [ Tue Mar 16, 2010 2:20 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Bending tips for Myrtle? |
Thanks, Steve Max |
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