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I am looking for ideas on a jig I can build to bend my florentine cutaways. I made a setup for my fox-style bender but don't like the way it is working.

Long ago I had a photo of a setup Kevin Ryan uses - and it looked pretty straight forward. Might have to email him again to see if he still has that photo....

But I want to know what YOU do for your florentines. I'm really bad with a bending iron - and want something that gives me repeatable results.

Photos greatly appreciated!

Thanks

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I use to have one like Jim Olson's, but I wasn't happy with it so I'm remaking it. I've done the last several by hand though and that was easy.

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"I'm really bad with a bending iron..."

I just don't have the "feel" for it.

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Todd,

I actually made something similar to this - and used it on 3 guitars. Found out that my male/female set wasn't the right shape as it didn't take into account the thickness of the slats/blanket. Since I need to redo the entire thing I figured I would look at other options.

I'm not finding the tutorial you mentioned - can you direct me to it?

Thanks

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here is mine .. never fails .... the springs load the teniosn into the slat, and away you go. I let it heat on full (2.5 watt blanket) for about 2 minutes, then do the bend in about 30-45 seconds total ... its way easy to make, no mating forms !!! only the inside of the curve is required, I have mine overbend a touch..

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Anyone have a good method for gluing the corner block on a florentine? I made an outside fixture with the block being forced in against it, and it works ok. My main problem is that getting the sides to align properly, i.e. getting things square, when gluing is tough.

David, I've made an outside mold too for gluing the corner block ala Olson Style.



I've started now by taping the sides at the point (sort of like doing binding) during the dry fit. I leave the top edge of the side flat for alignment purposes and just do the tape up on my table saw top to ensure the sides are square. Use as much tape as you like to get it all lined up and tight, then put it in the outside mold, glue on the inside block then clamp up. I've clamped in the go-bar deck as well as with 4" F-clamps and I think I like the F-clamps best. The tape of course will help pull the sides tight as it stretches.

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"There's really no wrong way, as long as the results are what's desired." Charles Fox

"We have to constantly remind ourselves what we're doing....No Luthier is putting a man on the moon!" Harry Fleishman

"Generosity is always different in the eye of the person who didn't receive anything, but who wanted some." Waddy Thomson

Rod, I have a similar setup and concur on the clamps, but nonetheless, the block and pieces do slide as you press that puppy home.

Todd, can I call you to discuss some details on your setup please? If so, email me at paul at burnerguitars dot com

thanks

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Tony,

On your setup are you putting the wood directly against the pattern - and then heating blanket then slat?

Paul

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