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I'm off work today! Too bad lightening hit the house last night so I'll spend most of the day dealing with heat/air and cable repair guys.

Back on topic, I won't to try bending my first side today on a Fox style bender from John Hall. I have a quartersawn, sycamore orphan side that will be the first victim. Can anyone give me suggestions for thickness, temp, dry/wet, etc.? I called John to ask for recommendations and he isn't home so I thought I would ask the good folks here.

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Formerly known as Adaboy.......

I believe QS Sycamore will be one of the easier species to bend. Try .090" thick and lightly spritz craft paper before sandwiching. Start the bend around 225*F and don't let it exceed 300*. Once it gets back to RT, heat it to 275* for 5 minutes. Leave it in the bender overnight before removing. That's how I'd do it. It's not the only way.

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

Sycamore is pretty flexible when quartered. I can almost install 2mm wide Sycamore purfliings without bending, they are so limber. It should bend like butter using JJ's formula.

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Waddy

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Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Waddy, If sycamore is that flexible, is it too flexible for a rib? I was eying some a few weeks ago. . . anyone used it for ribs, should it be thicker than usual?

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Bryan Bear PMoMC

Take care of your feet, and your feet will take care of you.

I don't think so. Once bent and attached, it'll be as stiff as it needs to be. I think JJ is right at about .090. It's a little thicker than I would use on other woods at .070 - .080. I have a Sycamore set cut out and ready to build with, but I'm putting it off until July, now.

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Thanks JJ and Waddy! Sounds like a plan.

Where do you guys get the craft paper?

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Formerly known as Adaboy.......

Well, apparently I get mine from my wife. She just went up and pulled a roll out of the attic! Gotta love a good woman......and I sure have a good one (she puts up with me and that's saying something)

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Formerly known as Adaboy.......

Well, I did it......bent my first side and didn't hear any cracking! <smile> Used a 00 Martin form. I'm about ready to go cook it again for 5 mins as JJ suggested.

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Formerly known as Adaboy.......

Pretty simple, eh? You're on your way now!

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com