Official Luthiers Forum!

I saw this listing on ebay for a fox-style side bender.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0299130880

(sorry I forgot that when I first posted the thread)

It looks pretty basic - but might be a starting point to build on from.

What do you think? I know NOTHING about these things (yet).

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P A U L B U R N E R
Burner Guitars

If you have the money, its a pretty good deal I guess. There is lots of tools to buy, making one can be pretty cheap. I made my last 2 from large plywood cuttoffs from the home store, for like $10.00 + dowel rods and hardware

It helps alot to have a drill press and robosander when making these, and for inside molder.

So if you don't have a drill press and robosander, I don't know how you do it accurately and fast.

It depends on what you have to spend, and what you can make. You can do a more simple design also.

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Here is what a Parlor Guitar is for!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEa8PkjO6_I

I have checked out this bender. There is no heating unit , the press screw is not assembled correctly the hold downs also are not in the correct position. The slats are not stainless so you will have to be careful with staining. There are alot of copies out there. If you don't know what you don't know , you will learn all about it later. Hopefully it won't cost you.
john hall
blues creek guitars.
Authorized Martin Repair Center

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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 really do not know how you could build one for that price and sell it too. John is correct in pointing out that the hold downs are on the wrong place.

Mike

Id be concerned about the use of galv on the outside of the form..potential for staining of some woods.

they usualy go for about $450. there should be red flags going up all over the place ! Jody

You could go the simple route for the form like this one that I modeled on one by Cumpiano.



Works well, simple, cheap and stores easily. Took about 2 hours to make. Add the blanket, slats, and excellent guidance from John.

Pat

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formerly known around here as burbank
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http://www.patfosterguitars.com

Make one that works for about $150.00. Several of my students have built this unit and it just works. See http://www.wellsguitars.com/Articles/BendingMachineRevised.html for complete instructions on how to build it!

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Sylvan
http://www.wellsguitars.com

I made the first one of these some years ago as a temporary solution before buying the full bells and whistles Fox style bender. 30 or so guitars and 5 different shapes later, guess what, I have never felt the need to 'upgrade'. Each one took about 2 hours tops to make and cost about £5, even the ring bolts go from one form to another.

With Spring steel and blanket from John Hall, never had a problem bending any wood, plus I like the hands on feel you get.

Colin

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I don't believe in anything, I simply make use of a set of reasonable working hypotheses.

I built this from modifying the LMI plans. I squared it up some and made the waist screw vise detachable for storage. Made it from left over wood. Bought the screw and springs. Vise sides were some bad glue ups for neck sticks for a tricone and left over ash from a tele. Oh, and the adjustable caul slats were from left over 5/16" oak flooring that I put in my kitchen which I also cut up for go bars. Waste not, want not!

I can vouch for the Blues Creek Bender. I have bent about 100 sets of sides on mine and it shows no wear or tear. Different forms are a breeze to change and John has even made custom forms for me with just a profile sketch that I send him.

Mike Franks
www.mjfranksguitar.com

It's really easy to build your own. I bought one when I first started building guitars, and Years later I still use it, but something like what Sylvan shows looks better than any of the offerings out there. Plus you'd learn a thing or two, and save a bunch of money, and it won't take very long to build. You can do it. Build one.

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John Mayes
http://www.mayesluthier.com

Loyalty and appreciation vs. Economy- If I ever need a bender there is only one choice-John Hall. His is proven, but, more importantly, he is proven. A fellow who so objectively offers help ought to be rewarded. Then of course, there is the always available post-sale advice-priceless.mt