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Bending Bocote
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Author:  bcombs510 [ Fri Feb 19, 2016 4:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Bending Bocote

Hello,

I'm thinking of bending a set of bocote this weekend. I found a few threads here that indicated it bends relatively easily. I found bits and pieces online, this is what I came up with.

My plan was to take it down to around 0.075 or so, spritz it and wrap it aluminum foil. I use a fox style bender with a silicone blanket. Plan to bend around 300-320.

Anyone with experience bending it see any issues?

Thanks!
Brad


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Author:  Bobc [ Sat Feb 20, 2016 9:04 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Bending Bocote

Brad your plan looks good but I prefer to use brown craft paper first then foil. Some woods are sensitive to foil.

Author:  bcombs510 [ Sat Feb 20, 2016 9:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Bending Bocote

Thanks, Bob! Are you the owner at RC? If so, I ordered some bocote bridge blanks for this project. They look great!

Author:  bluescreek [ Sat Feb 20, 2016 10:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Bending Bocote

I don't use foil and went away from kraft paper to untreated white. Kraft paper ( the brown stuff ) can be acidic and make some water stains. I bent a good bit of this. I do it at .075 thick start the lower bout bend at 220 to 240 F then upper bout at 250 -270 then the waste .

The key is moisture control too much you can warp to little you can crack.

Be sure the paper is damp before bending the upper bout.
Once I am on the pattern I let the temp rise to 350F then set the temp back to 220 for about 10 to 15 min to get the excess moisture out and set the bend. If you pull it out too soon the wood will relax.

Author:  kencierp [ Sat Feb 20, 2016 12:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bending Bocote

Quote:
I don't use foil and went away from kraft paper to untreated white. Kraft paper ( the brown stuff ) can be acidic and make some water stains.


Me neither I only use parchment paper -- I discovered the problem with brown Kraft paper many years ago. The set in the photos below was stained all the way through, even acid would not remove the discoloration.

Image

Image

Author:  bcombs510 [ Sat Feb 20, 2016 2:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bending Bocote

Thanks! I have some parchment, so I'll switch to that.

Thanks for the feedback!


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