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Springs for side benders
https://luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10117&t=54442
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Author:  Jammer [ Tue Sep 28, 2021 4:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Springs for side benders

I am building a side bender similar to the Fox style. I haven’t been able to find anything definitive on what type of springs to use on the bender. Not ever sure how springs are specified. Any enlightenment would be appreciated.

Author:  Colin North [ Tue Sep 28, 2021 4:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Springs for side benders

I just used springs from a chest expander.

Author:  Jammer [ Tue Sep 28, 2021 9:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Springs for side benders

Had to look on line to see what a chest expander was. Yes, lots of springs. So you just cut them down to size and bend out a loop to attach to the eyebolt on the bender? If not strong enough just cut a little more off?

Author:  Colin North [ Wed Sep 29, 2021 1:26 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Springs for side benders

Exactly.

Author:  bcombs510 [ Thu Nov 04, 2021 4:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Springs for side benders

If you have a local Ace hardware, one that has all the little drawers of nuts and bolts, there is a drawer or springs. When I built a uke bender I literally took it into the store to try a few different sizes until I hit paydirt.

Author:  Hesh [ Thu Nov 04, 2021 4:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Springs for side benders

John Hall Blues Creek may have them, he used to.

Author:  Jammer [ Thu Nov 04, 2021 7:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Springs for side benders

Thanks everyone for the further input. I did find bender spring sets on John Hall’s site but had already found some springs that seem to work at Ace Hardware. Tested the unit out today and had some significant problems with temperature control. I had purchased the router speed control unit from Rockler as recommended in several places on the web I had visited. The heating mat I purchased had a built-in variable dial delineated in Centigrade but testing it alone, it seemed to be totally useless. I just set it to max and was depending on the router controller. Temp was pretty variable and at one point got as high as 350 F and saw some smoke (maybe only steam?) but the walnut ukulele side I was testing seemed to come out fine. The process must be a bit more forgiving than I anticipated. Time will tell I guess. I will be closing out this thread after a few more days as I move on to other issues, i.e. neck tenon routing jig.

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