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After lots and lots of hand bending I threw in the towel. My cocobolo bindings were not going to let an amateur like myself get away with having a perfect fit. No, they just wanted to crack (one complete break), split and stay all lumpy. I tried bending them together and as individuals... no go. I did get them pretty close, but I just couldn't get some of the lumps and spring-back to settle down. Wishing I had a heat blanket the entire time.

So I went a little unconventional and put all four bindings in one half of my mold. I wound them to the mold extremely tightly with string and two small clamps at the waist. Don't worry, I tested the string before using it and it didn't show any signs of melting or burning at the right temp. I "baked" them at 350 for 15 minutes and voila. Rachel Ray would be proud... guitar builders probably not. Though having bindings in my oven was a little weird, I am happy to say that it worked like a charm and I now have four perfectly fitted and identical bindings. Hooray. And yes, I will be getting a heat blanket for #2...

Christian

P.S. Should this go in the "tutorials" section?? Just kidding - I'm going to submit it to Better Homes and Garden.

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Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its pupils - Louis Hector Berlioz

Chansen / C hansen / C. Hansen / Christian Hansen - not a handle.

Christian

Did your entire house smell like freshly baked cocobolo? That might be kind of nice......

For a short while it certainly did. I thought it was a nice touch... Melissa thought it would ruin the brownies she was about to make.

The brownies turned out fine too.

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Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its pupils - Louis Hector Berlioz

Chansen / C hansen / C. Hansen / Christian Hansen - not a handle.

Christian

Christian, I wish I had known. I have a blanket you could have used.

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Aoibeann

Very cool, Christian. Or maybe hot!

I'm really cheap some ways. I went the simple route on my latest bender, with a blanket and slats from Blues Creek.



BTW, how's the little one?

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now known around here as Pat Foster
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http://www.patfosterguitars.com

I know, I know. Fox bender it is next time. I was just in a bit of a pinch and wanted to get these bindings 100% ready for when I get the channel routed. This whole process has been quite a learning experience. At least now I know a little better what is essential and what I can do without. I still think it's funny though

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Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its pupils - Louis Hector Berlioz

Chansen / C hansen / C. Hansen / Christian Hansen - not a handle.

Christian

Are you going to frost them? Hesh has a great butter frosting he puts on his carrot cake!

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Billy Dean Thomas
Covina, CA

"Multi famam, conscientiam, pauci verentur."
(Many fear their reputation, few their conscience)

Maybe there is a new business opportunity marketing luthier ovens?

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A higher purpose for wood.
Rich Smith
Issaquah, WA

Maybe there is a new business opportunity marketing luthier ovens?

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A higher purpose for wood.
Rich Smith
Issaquah, WA

Good going Christian buddy That is an important part of Lutherie - learning how to expand your guitar building throughout the rest of your house.... Pretty soon no piece of furniture will be safe..... Resistance is futile..........

Did I mention I used the dishwasher to soak my sides and bindings??? Just kidding! But I would like that buttercream recipe Billy mentioned... I'm diabetic so is there a low sugar version? Thanks!

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Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its pupils - Louis Hector Berlioz

Chansen / C hansen / C. Hansen / Christian Hansen - not a handle.

Christian