In a recent post of mine entitled "On A Bender" @Don Wattenhofer has asked for some in process images.
Th first image was taken fresh off of the lathe with the piece turned, sanded and a heavy coat of lacquer mixed 50%--50% with lacquer thinner. Brushing on the lacquer/thinner mixture insures the piece will not crack (if turned to a thickness of 1/2" or less) and it seals in the moisture. Sealing in the moisture is key to getting a piece to have an extreme bend. The brushed on lacquer significantly slows the drying time down of the piece and allows the time necessary for a controlled bend.
The following image was taken when the piece was being bent with the use of a bar clamp and numerous rubber bands. Heat lamps were used to accelerate the bending process. This image was taken at 15 hours after being turned.
Th first image was taken fresh off of the lathe with the piece turned, sanded and a heavy coat of lacquer mixed 50%--50% with lacquer thinner. Brushing on the lacquer/thinner mixture insures the piece will not crack (if turned to a thickness of 1/2" or less) and it seals in the moisture. Sealing in the moisture is key to getting a piece to have an extreme bend. The brushed on lacquer significantly slows the drying time down of the piece and allows the time necessary for a controlled bend.
The following image was taken when the piece was being bent with the use of a bar clamp and numerous rubber bands. Heat lamps were used to accelerate the bending process. This image was taken at 15 hours after being turned.
