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For a number of reasons I am going to try old traditional pipe bending. Got one of LLMII's aluminum pipes for propane torch. 1. I got their "bending aids" so I can't see any reason to polish the outer surface.2. I really need some practice side wood-I emphasize PRACTICE! Don't expect free, of course, but need something that would emulate real world side/back material.3. Do I recall correctly that temp of the pipe should make water drops dance, but not instantly evaporate?4 Wrapping suggestions in general to avoid oxidation stains and control moisture burn-off during bending? Thanks in advance for assistance.

Stewmac sells practice Maple and Mahogany sets they are narrow and shorter than a real side set. differnt wood want to bend a differnt temps but the water test is a good general temp. If you are using a stainless steel back slat I see no need to wrap the wood.

Mike, You have a PM.

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Give me 50 cents worth of regular.
Check my oil too, if you don`t mind,,,

I don't use any backing unless I am bending bindings or the cutaway, bending on a pipe is a good skill to acquire. I use my fox bender all the time, but sometimes it is just faster to fire up the pipe and do it by hand.

On light colored woods I will soak a cloth in warm water and lay it on the pipe. It helps with scorching. Less to clean up later. Just dunk it in the water again when it dries out.

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Brock Poling
Columbus, Ohio
http://www.polingguitars.com

You can always try wrapping in foil or craft paper for bending light woods. If you're bending something with curl, use very little (if any) water. Try to bend as dry as possible. This will help reduce cupping.       
   Only used distilled water in the sprayer as well. No minerals to discolor your wood...
   The water dancing trick is good. I try to stay on the hotter side of things but you don't want the water to instantly evaporate.
   Bending by hand is very rewarding. As in many things, Old School rules!

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I'd like to be able to prove, just for once, that money wouldn't make me happy...

Many thanks to all. This weekend I'm firing up my welder to make a cradle for the torch-the fin of the pipe is clamped in an ancient Rock Island Arsenal vise(about 35 lbs.) on a steel plate that I welded to a 4" steel pipe which is then welded to a large truck rim-piled with bags of lead shot. Will be really steady. Hey, an adventure! Actually, as many mistakes as I make as I work on #1 it's definitely all an adventure.

Mike, I was in exactly your situation a while back and took pretty much
the same approach. I got in 6 of the Stewmac practise sides and spent the
best part of a day working myself into a lather over the bending iron. The
first attempt was a total failure and I ended burning myself at least a
dozen times. The second attempt was done wearing cotton
gloves.....equally disastrous end result but at least I didnt burn myself.
During attempt 3 things suddenly started falling into place and I ended
up with a half reasonable end product.

I do have a Fox type side bender but these days I tend to use the
iron..dont know why, maybe Im old fashioned or just like the challenge of
working wood over an iron.

Campiano has an excellent chapter on bending wood in his book. I
particularly like his practise of looking at the side and analyzing the
various circles and arcs that make up the curves.

Good luck with the bending and dont fret if you make a mess of the first
few attempts. Look forward to hearing how it all goes.

Cheers Martin