Double Bass bending iron advice

[Eric Rene Roy]

...If someone gave me or lent me a bass-sized torch-fired bending iron I'd use that, but as they haven't yet ...

VIOLA! Old school, I know...but it doesn't require a trip to the foundry, cutting up plywood and sheet aluminum, or spending two weeks pay! Just go to the hardware store...drop a few bucks and your ready to go. It might take you a bit to learn it...but not that much more than an electric iron. And think of the bragging rights when you fire up a blow torch to bend ribs!

 

[Matthew Tucker]

VIOLA! [snip] think of the bragging rights when you fire up a blow torch to bend ribs!

Let me get this straight ... you're offering me a torch-fired bending iron, but viola-size, right?????

 

[Nick Lloyd]

I'm sure your local violin luthier Harry Vatiliotis has his methods, but you don't need a separate iron profile for a different pattern. If you like, I can trace the outline of my iron and mail it to you. It's the same outline as the GEWA iron.

 

[Matthew Tucker]

Thanks Nick that would be useful. Yeah ... although Harry's method was very neat, it seemed like a lot of work for just one model. I think I'll use a heat blanket on traditional form method. I'll PM you my address.

 

[M_A_T_T]

I think using the c-bout as a basic shape for the iron is a good idea. I'm getting a new aluminum form for my commercially made bending iron (for violins) custom CNC'd at my work. I traced the c-bout of my pattern with a small washer riding against the pattern to create a slightly smaller shape, I think it will work quite well.....

 

[Matthew Tucker]

yeah that was exactly Harry's method. But that strictly speaking means you're making one model. And for a bass that's a helluva lot bigger.

I'm soon going to start my bassmaking blog so you can see what i'm doing.

I went and chose my timber for the back and ribs today. Silky Oak, cut along the rays. Probably regret it, but quite excited ...