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*Heat bending system* http://www-.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10102&t=1716	Page 1 of 1

Author:	mandomaniac [ Mon Apr 18, 2005 8:02 am ]
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Hey there Forum Folks, Wanted to let you know I have developed a bending system that will make your life INCREDIBLY EASIER. I honestly have to say this system will make you wonder why you would bend sides any other way. The control FAR surpasses light bulbs or a hot pipe. >>>Accurately controls temperature and time of heating/cooling cycles. >>>Heat is transferred quickly, uniformly over entire side. >>>This system is equally applicable to various forms, including solid forms, Fox-style forms, or even universal workboard. A "pictorial" of this system can be viewed by searching for"Heat Bending Pictorial" in the 'Building/Repair' section of Mandolincafe.com. Also on Luthierforum.com site in the "For Sale/Trade" section. Check it out! I will try to post some pics here to make this easier... It includes: blanket with embedded thermocouple, controller box (electronic temperature controller, relay/heatsink assembly,etc), timer with controlled outlet, and even shimstock necessary for the 'sandwich' method. Obviously, post shipping instructions and Methods of Operation are included in the package. >>>> PLUG and PLAY! <<<<< Cost varies based on size of instrument.... Cost on a COMPLETE SYSTEM: mando system $275 plus shipping. guitar system $325 plus shipping. Other sizes available...inquire! Folks who have purchased complete systems have been VERY HAPPY! Frankly, it is QUANTUM LEAPS over any other bending method out there! (IMHO) This system is NOT dimestore inexpensive, but if you are SERIOUS about building.....amortized over several builds, it is cheap in the long run! You will thank yourself each time you bend. End the anxiety/frustration! Let me know if I can help....... THANKS....Tom

Author:	Neil [ Mon Apr 18, 2005 9:11 am ]
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It would be a lot easier if you gave direct links to your pictorials. I couldn't find them at either site referenced.Neil38460.7581481481

Author:	mandomaniac [ Mon Apr 18, 2005 9:47 am ]
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Hey Neil, I will try to do that.....just not too internet savvy. Stay tuned.... Tom

Author:	mandomaniac [ Mon Apr 18, 2005 9:57 am ]
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Hopefully this will get you a look at the system and what it can do......(if this link thig works!) http://luthierforum.com/index.php?showtopic=402

Author:	mandomaniac [ Mon Apr 18, 2005 10:00 am ]
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Well...no 'link', but it DOES work if you cut and paste the address in your browser. Best I can do! Tom

Author:	EricKeller [ Mon Apr 18, 2005 10:03 am ]
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here's yer link

Author:	bob J [ Mon Apr 18, 2005 10:38 am ]
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how do we get to site. Link requires password?

Author:	mandomaniac [ Mon Apr 18, 2005 10:44 am ]
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Hmmmmm.... I tried it and it worked....maybe because I am already registered there? You got me.....told you I was web challenged!!!! I will try another way...hold on.....

Author:	mandomaniac [ Mon Apr 18, 2005 10:54 am ]
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OK....figured out what the deal is....I logged out from that forum and indeed you need to sign in before viewing the pages.....SORRY! Pretty much like here. Thanks for trying..... You can register there I suppose (?) ....If not, I will try to post some pics here if that would help.... Did not figure it would be quite such a problem....live and learn! Tom

Author:	Bobc [ Mon Apr 18, 2005 12:01 pm ]
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Hi Tom BobC here. Wow that looks like a great setup. If you need help getting some pictures up send me an e-mail. bobcef@verizon dot net

Author:	mandomaniac [ Mon Apr 18, 2005 12:18 pm ]
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OK>>>here is a rendition of my "Proof is in the pudding" pictorial...I debated pasting the image here, did not want to eat bandwidth if that is an issue...but here they are: The system...... solid form...waiting for action.... Making a sandwich....here's the ingredients.... Wrap nicely.... Shimstock on both sides...mark any index points... Cover with blanket.... I use a poor man's approach....hand pressure (with welding gloves!) and then simple bar clamps. Bring the waist in, then over the humps.... With this system, heat is immediate, constant,and even over entire side. I use cycles of heat/cool/heat/cool ....the results are nothing short of amazing. Your forms better be right....the side will be an exact copy! That was the easy side....NOW for the CUTOUT!!!!!! How's THAT for pretty? Talk about tight curves.....I just LOVE tight curves! A close view....look ma, no cracks! Just to show nothing's up my sleeve......it really IS tight! This is a mando.....no guitar sized cutaway.... And to close this essay....pudding is served!!!.... Tom

Author:	LanceK [ Mon Apr 18, 2005 12:36 pm ]
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Is this an advertisement?

Author:	mandomaniac [ Mon Apr 18, 2005 12:56 pm ]
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Hey Lance.... Well I guess it is somewhat of an 'infomercial' Bunch of good technique info there....but yes, I do sell the systems. I just caught your email...I understand... I'd be happy if I could afford that advertising cost, but I don't make that all told in a month on these! It started out as an attempt to end my own bending frustration....and now is more an effort to bring bending into the 21st century for others as well... If it steps over the line...by all means, feel free to edit out whatever. Don't want to step on any toes....I definitely understand. Thanks! Tom

Author:	LanceK [ Mon Apr 18, 2005 1:01 pm ]
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No prob Tom - I run a pretty loose ship around here, I think most would agree- not to many rules but I do have to speak up from time to time Slick outfit though

Author:	mandomaniac [ Mon Apr 18, 2005 1:31 pm ]
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Thanks Lance....no kidding, it makes bending almost cheating! Just realized...I did not ever include any contact info...shows what an advertiser "I" am ...oh well... If someone wants it , they can track me down...they'll be happy they did! I appreciate the latitude Lance....like I said, not trying to step on any toes here! Tom

Author:	mandomaniac [ Tue Apr 19, 2005 3:01 am ]
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Have been exploring this forum...GREAT PLACE...LOTS of info! Much appreciated! Also just found out folks can 'message me' about the bending system.... That will work fine and should keep the 'advertising' issue off the discussion board ..if OK with Lance. Thanks, Tom

Author:	Don Williams [ Tue Apr 19, 2005 3:08 am ]
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A digital temperature readout along with a programmable cycle would be a good change to this system.

Author:	mandomaniac [ Tue Apr 19, 2005 3:29 am ]
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Hey Don, The newer systems have the higher tech digital temperature controllers. You get set temp and actual readout. The pics show the analog model. Tom

Author:	John Mayes [ Tue Apr 19, 2005 5:54 am ]
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I don't like the actual form/bending section but the blankets/temp control look really cool. Ah well I'm very happy with my system. Brainless and I never break anything...

Author:	npalen [ Tue Apr 19, 2005 1:31 pm ]
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Tom--I may have missed something but you don't say why you're method has more capability for tight bends than a regular heating blanket with external temperature sensing and time control. Can you elaborate on this? Thanks Nelson

Author:	mandomaniac [ Wed Apr 20, 2005 12:59 am ]
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Hey Nelson, If you have arranged accurate external temp sensing, you are in the same ballpark. The beauty of this is the embedded thermocouple....that and the electronic temp controller allow for convenient, ACCURATE temp control. You want to use 305F....dial it in.....need a bit more for a different wood?....dial in 330F....EASY! The time control?....well, truly if one can watch a clock for the cycles, the result is the same. The timer with controlled outlet simply insures you don't inadvertantly cook a side!. Guess it comes down to.... this system provides the 'state of the art' for those that want that..... .....but there is NO debating there is more than one way to skin a cat (or bend a side).... This system and the method of operation just seem to be the slickest thing I have come up with. Tom

Author:	npalen [ Wed Apr 20, 2005 1:50 am ]
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Tom--I does look like a great setup and one certainly needs all the help available when bending difficult sides. Keep up the good work! Nelson

Author:	mandomaniac [ Mon Apr 25, 2005 5:32 am ]
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Another thing I forgot to mention....this system makes bending bindings about like falling off a log. Just tape them into the 'sandwich' along side the side.....Presto magic....when the side is bent, you have exactly matching bindings. CHEATING! Tom

Author:	Mario [ Mon Apr 25, 2005 7:37 am ]
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*ACCURATE temp control. You want to use 305F....dial it in.....need a bit more for a different wood?....dial in 330F....EASY!* I do the same; I have a line marked on my blanket's reostat. Need more temp, move it past the line. Need less, move it under the line. EASIER! Cheaper, too.... <bg>

Author:	John How [ Mon Apr 25, 2005 7:40 am ]
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Yeah, I always bend my bindings with the sides. Might as well bend them all at once, makes no sense to bend again.

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