Mike's Oud Forums

Another bending iron how to

Peyman - 7-13-2008 at 08:25 AM

I saw this website while searching for some guitar jigs:
http://soundsalon.com/2007/02/05/make-a-hot-pipe-bending-iron/

The guy uses a BBQ lighter for a heat source.

GeorgeK - 7-16-2008 at 12:30 PM

Interesting bending iron. I've never made one of these but I have an interest in giving it a shot. My question here is if he is using a 500W element (or is this a typo)? There was another project here that uses 100W or 200W heat sources so isnt 500W too excessive?

Is there a post such as the one here that would describe building a bending iron that is molded to the contour of the rib? I saw another post on these forums that uses this method and it looks very interesting (and in my case idiot proof ;) )

Dr. Oud - 9-20-2008 at 10:52 AM

Here's another method - the idea came from the video of the Egyptian oud maker using a can of sterno, bending the rib over an open flame. I'm using a heat gun on the low setting - The heat is distributed more evenly than an iron, so I'm thinking less breakage. - I like it!
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=rvsdS9sbuq0

Peyman - 9-20-2008 at 05:32 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Dr. Oud
Here's aother method - the idea came from the video of the Egyptian oud maker using a can of stero, bending the rib over an open flame. I'm using a heat gun on the low setting, I like it!
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=rvsdS9sbuq0


Nice! Are we getting a full tutorial on oud making soon??

Dr. Oud - 9-21-2008 at 09:39 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Peyman
...Nice! Are we getting a full tutorial on oud making soon??

I'll be making a video of my next build that will be available with an ebook version of the Construction book.
I'm currently working on an ebook on Oud Repair that will allow regular updates and links to photos and videos. It contains over 130 topics at this time, with more to come. Subsciption will include online support as well. Current Construction book customers will get discounts for the Repair ebook.

Peyman - 9-22-2008 at 06:57 AM

That's a great idea. Alot of people need info on fixing. Looking forward to it.

SamirCanada - 9-22-2008 at 07:11 AM

Hey Richard
this is a really really neat way of doing it.
strait on the wood. how much time per rib do you figure it takes to bend by this method?

I was thinking of using a heat gun in a different way.
What if we built a bending jig like Jameel's but instead of using the expensive heat blanket we use a heat gun right on the underside or topside of the metal sheets that clamp the rib.
good idea?

red arrows are the heat streams of the gun.

Dr. Oud - 9-22-2008 at 10:13 AM

I bent a rib blank in about 2 minutes, much faster than with a bending iron.
I think heating the wood would be better than heating the sheet. You could heat both sides of the wood as you bend it. The sheet is meant to reflect heat back into the wood from the blanket (or heat gun) instead of heating up the form. The advantage of the blanket is that you can build a form to bend several ribs at once, this might be difficult with the heat gun.

GeorgeK - 9-22-2008 at 10:25 AM

Interesting Video Richard, and I look forward to your ebook.

I've been thinking about a bending iron along the same line as Samir's but I get stuck on the mechanics. I was thinking of using sheet metal over a rib form (the sheet metal is the same kind as used in the air returns on our Canadian home heating systems). However the sheet metal is not that rigid and hence needs some sort of support network. I think that if I used plywood, for the form and support network, then there is a fire hazard as a heat gun concentrated on one spot will ignite that piece of wood (I've tried it). Another alternative is MDF, but a quick search on the internet tells me that MDFs emit formaldehyde and "other volatile organic compounds"...probably not good for the health.

The other thought that I had was cladding the plywood form and support network with the same sheet metal so the heat is spread and not concentrated inside the form work on one spot.

Of course after viewing Richard's video, it seems like I'm making a mountain out of a mole hill and the best approach is to "just do it".

ALAMI - 9-22-2008 at 10:36 AM

[[[[[[[Sorry guys for popping with a silly question:]]
[[can't we use hot air to heat and bend wood, say a super-hair]]
dryer?if yes it may open some interesting and safe possibilities.]] ]]]]
---------------------------

:))OOOPS ! I just watched Dr Oud video in you tube and got my answer (the question wasn't silly after all....but I was :))

Doc, please count me in for the ebook