Bending Figured or Difficult Woods with Inconsistent Grain

In this episode of DIY Guitar Making, I talk about and demonstrate techniques for bending woods with a heavy figure or difficult woods with an inconsistent or unpredictable grain orientation. I use the 5 troubleshooting factors: Thickness, Moisture, Heat, Pressure and Grain Orientation to show how I look at the task of bending guitar sides.
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[@short6691]

Thanks Eric, another great video. Your “like” to “view” ratio is about 1.5-2X the ratio of some of the other excellent luthier/wood working channels I follow. Keep up the good work!

[@EricSchaeferGuitars]

Ah, that's interesting. I hadn't really noticed that. I'm definitely gonna look at some of the related channels now to see if that's true, ya know just for vanities sake lol. Thanks, Keith!

[@gloverp3]

Hi Eric .. I bend by hand and always use pressure on the tighter curves. I use a spring steel strap therefore making the outside of the curve on the wood behave as if it's the inside. For me this pressure really does help. I would welcome your thoughts on this. Cheers! Paul from England

[@walterrider9600]

thank you Eric .the ziricote is beautiful

[@neilsuhre9830]

Thanks Eric! I can't wait for my class in the fall!

[@EricSchaeferGuitars]

I'm looking forward to it as well! See ya then!

[@evgenybelko8662]

Tanks you a lot !

[@electricwally]

You mentioned that you don't soak figured woods because it does not work. Can you please explain why? Thank you for the very informative video.

[@alandust2188]

So Eric, for a newbie to get good results with limited experience, which side bending method is the best choice, BENDING MACHINE or BENDING IRON? AND thanks for your videos, they are always great!

[@EricSchaeferGuitars]

I would say bending machine for sure if you up for the investment

[@oneconsc3333]

Isn't it a good idea to use mahogany for approx. 75% of the thickness and then a veneer of figured wood on the outside face? Save money and more stable? 🙏🏻🇨🇦