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Has anyone had experience bending lacewood?
I found a nice quartersawn lacewood board 9" X 1" at the Woodcrafter store,and bought it and resawed it into 2 back and side sets. All was fine until I bent it. I used a fox style bender using light bulbs for heat. The wood was sanded to .085", and damp, but not soaked. I used aluminum flashing inside and out with kraft paper between the flashing and the wood on both sides. Bending was difficult, but smooth, with no pops or sudden releases of resistance, but once removed from the bender, it had cross grain cracks inside the waist, and outside of the upper bout.
What do Youall think? Too dry, too wet, too cool, too thick, or just too inexperienced?
Any help would be apprecieated.

Al

I've done a few it Lacewood, I would take it down to 0.80 mist lightly, I have found it doesn't like too much water.

I Start my bend as the temp hits 240F and once bent hold for 7 mins at 290F

Hope this helps.

Thanks Russell. Do you think it may be saveable, or should i just throw it out and start with new sides?

Al

Hi Al

If it is bent to shape with some cracks, you can just glue them, and it should be fine. I am told hide glue is very good for this if you use it (I have only just started using hide glue so haven't had to try this yet)
Of course if it needs to go back into the bender the hide won't be any good as it can't withstand the heat.
In this case you will need something that can stand the heat and moisture, I used a waterproof White PVA, as I don't like to use CA.RussellR38759.6673842593

Thanks

Al