There are a lot of interesting and very similar bending jigs on this thread. Mine is also very similar, built out of stout 2" black maple. But it has one noticeable difference. The jigs here use static clamps to move the stock. Those clamps require frequent attention and adjustment. That is how I used to do it, until I saw an interesting modification using slings and two small pulleys that were connected to a bucket of sand or water. The constant weight negates the need to adjust the clamps as the wood moves and all you needed is a stop to prevent it from moving too far. I find this a bit simpler. Anyway, it is a modification that someone might want to try.

I believe I have a copy of Orlen's essay on bending, but it does list an author. If it is not from Orlen, it is probably from Jack Belk. Jack sent me a number of documents on gunmaking topics. Anyone that would like a copy of the bending essay can send me an email (in my profile here, and I will ship a copy back by return email.

One other thing that I have found useful is a laser point-and-shoot thermometer that lets me know how hot the surface of the wood is. When it gets up into the 200 teens or close, I try to hold it there a good long while so the heat can "soak" into the center of the wood. It helps prevent overheating.

You might google the melting temperature of lignin (seems to vary depending on source), but getting the lignin to melt, or nearly melt has a lot to do with being successful in the bending, I think.

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BrentD, (Professor - just for Stan)
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