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I'm working on my first acoustic build, a single cutaway. Are there good techniques to bending these sharp curves? (Other than patience! )

I was working on bending some test pieces today to just kind of get the feel for it. The wood for the build is cocobolo rosewood, which I'm sure will be interesting. What thickness is good for this type of wood? Should the wood be soaked first, or water sprayed on during heating?

I know I've picked a somewhat difficult wood for this project, but go big or go home, right?

It would be helpful to know what kind of bending tool you have but here are some general tips assuming that you are using a hot pipe. Make sure it is hot enough. You can introduce moisture initially by putting a wet cloth on the pipe. It's good have some flashing to support the back of the bend. You can make some handles for it. Don't try to do it all at once. Work your way from on end of the bend to the other and repeat until you have the curve you want. Let the wood loosen up. If you scorch the wood very much it can harden and be very difficult to bend. I'd take the cocobolo down to .070-.075 or maybe .080 if the bend isn't too severe. Cocobolo is pretty easy to bend usually, but practice on test sides until you can get what you want. You'll learn a lot by practicing.

_________________
Ken Franklin
clumsy yet persistent
https://www.kenfranklinukulele.com

Yeah, I'm just using a hot pipe.

Thanks, it's good to know about the scorching. I tried using the wet cloth over the wood and then applying heat, but it didn't seem to be introducing enough steam, which is I'm assuming where the add more heat comes in.

I've got to get the rosewood down to thickness, which is brootal since I don't have a drum sander, so it might be a while before I get the chance to do them.