Heat bending is the procedure of bending thin sheets of wood into different curves and shapes using moisture and a bending iron. By placing the sheet of wood into water, the moisture and heat from the bending iron will reform the structure of the wood, reorganizing the fibers of the wood to prevent the wood from springing back to its original state [1]. This process is usually used for making sides or "ribs" for violins, guitars, mandolins and other projects [2].
Bending irons, though having an iron core, can have different types of metal casing depending on the type of material to be bent. For example, an aluminum cover is preferable for bending woods and plastics; while a stainless steel cover is better for bending and shaping pipe and iron work.
Bending irons are most commonly electrically heated, therefore it is possible to control the heat output so as not to overheat the workpiece and change its chemical balance. The iron itself can be purchased in different shapes and sizes to better accommodate the needs of the operator. Some shapes include but not limited to: teardrop, round, and oval.
To properly bend a sheet of wood, there are a few techniques that will help. The hardness of the wood will determine how long is required to soak the wood in water. The harder the wood, the more time is needed to fully soak the wood, making it easier to bend and preventing the wood from springing back to its original form. Popular hardwoods are oak, maple, cherry, birch, walnut, ash and poplar. Common softwoods are pine, fir, spruce, hemlock, cedar and redwood [3].
A steel mold that is placed on the back of the wood while heat bending can help ensure that all the bends and curves are done to the requirements of the project being made. After heat bending the wood, clamping the wood into a solid mold will reinforce the bends made to the wood while drying; preventing the wood from straightening while it dries.
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