Official Luthiers Forum!

Hello all,

I want to get a Fox Bender, however these are not sold in the UK (as far as I am aware). I could buy one from a few US suppliers but the customs fee will add on a huge amount which I can't bare to pay. Does anyone know where I can get good detailed plans to make one myself?

Also, for any UK or European members, where on earth (well where in the EU ) can I get a silicone blanket and themostat?

Thanks again.


EDIT: If anyone in the UK has an old one they want to sell...

luthier cool tools has a print I believe also you can find a plan in the guitar makers manual by Jim Williams

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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

I bought some from LMI, I ended up modifying the design but the basics are there

John

PS some of the dimensions are incorrect

There is nothing complicated about a fox type bender. The silicone blanket system is a little simpler, particularly if you keep changing models.

I use a lightbulb bender (2X150 watts) and have built three styles of ukulele,an Irish bouzouki and a guitar. I use the same base with bulbs and build the form to fit over the base.
Check out the archives at www.hanalima.com . This covers ukuleles but enlarge the concept to fit a guitar. I would show pictures if I knew how.

Bob

Fox guitar side bender, we have a set of detailed plans that may interest you.

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Rickey
http://www.cadguitarplans.com

Try here http://www.omega.co.uk/ppt/pptsc.asp?ref=SRMU_HEATER They also do controllers (which were a bit pricey as I remember)

Look for a 6" X 36" totalling about 600 to 900 watt (I think) - check out SRMU020836 on the tables - others on forum will keep you right, or check specs at suppliers sites.

I built my own fox style bender, and use 3 x 200 watt bulbs with heatproof fittings/wiring, lined the base and forms with alufoil, could send photos of the details if you want

I used photos from the web to get an idea of sizes (from the form length) and have bent EIR, mahogany and figured silkwood successfully, but would suggest a blanket for more difficult woods.

Hope this helps

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The name catgut is confusing. There are two explanations for the mix up.

Catgut is an abbreviation of the word cattle gut. Gut strings are made from sheep or goat intestines, in the past even from horse, mule or donkey intestines.

Otherwise it could be from the word kitgut or kitstring. Kit meant fiddle, not kitten.

I built a bender from info found in this thread.

viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=21663&hilit=Fox+Bender

Todd Stock puts a drawing of his side template and includes measurements. Follow his bending form tutorial and you are there.

Peter, If you can not find a set of plans anywhere else that are acceptable, I have a set of the Fox style plans that I bought from LMI years ago. It is 2 extra large prints, no print for the cutaway arm, although I did make my own after taking a few measurements from a friends, and could forward that info. I have been thinking of putting the plans and a couple of sets in the buy & sell. If that is what you want let me know. Although shipping overseas may be the expensive part.

Tim