How to make your own bending iron

This is how you can make your own bending iron to be able to bend the sides and other components of a Spanish guitar.
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[@DasVanMike]

Thank you for the information. I took your idea and modified it. I bought an aluminum bottle that is made for liquids, at the thrift store. I cut off the top, sanded edges, put in wood plug at opening that fits around an old ceramic bulb holder that I found in the garage. Screwed to a wood base and used an old extension cord. Total cost because I didn't buy the extension cord, and I milled the wood from a neighbor's tree: $2 USD. Your video had definite value for me.

[@SethDStanley]

Could you point me in the direction of a good aluminum bottle to use? This sounds like a winner idea!

[@TheCompleteGuitarist]

I ended up using a tin can and a 100w light bulb. The big future problem is going to be obtaining bulbs that get hot as the old filament style are disappearing rapidly for obvious reasons.

[@kickpublishing]

The last thing I expected to be inside that cylinder was a lightbulb

[@FoamySlobbers]

Chocolate temper(melting) machines are the same way.

[@lyndamcardle4123]

It's using the same principle as a slow cooker (for making casseroles and stews).

[@loganariasdadeeesays3052]

That reveal was brilliant. None of that “watch the whole video. You won’t believe what it is!” Your demeanor is a wonderful distraction from what my typical day seems like.

[@philmadsen7238]

Pablo, that is a superb design, so simple. I had no idea that a 60w bulb would give off adequate heat. I've just been across to my neighbour, whose garage is an Aladdin"s cave, and he had a piece of 3" stainless steel tube which is perfect for the job. Thank you. Phil

[@peterrathbone179]

Thanks for sharing this great idea. I never expected to find a simple bulb inside !

[@magicalbeer]

Wow. This is great. I've been looking into making my own bending iron, and this is the best I've seen. This video just made my day! Thank you. Thank you.

[@johne7100]

People used to use a couple of light-bulbs as heating elements in the bottom of the cupboard they fermented their home brew in. Unfortunately simple bulbs such as these are now illegal in many EU countries.

[@TheCompleteGuitarist]

genius. I having been searching for this elegant and inexpensive solution for so long.

[@thijs199]

thank you so much for this idea. very practical, cheap. I happen to have a 100W old light bulb. with stone base. So Ill be sure to let my metal guy know to make me some pipes with a lid, this is amazing

[@SomersetBarnard]

Brilliant idea.! I was looking online for something and they were so expensive.. And noone in the Hardware store knew what I was talking about hahah.. Il try this on the weekend. Cheer!

[@todayintheshopbanksy5904]

Need to stock up on incandescent bulbs before they are all gone. Love this, thank you for sharing.

[@neilohagan1948]

Incredible that it's just a simple light bulb. Unbelievable! Thank you for sharing

[@muranilife]

Great idea. I will try it. A dimmer switch would allow temperature control too.

[@Ana_crusis]

great, simple idea !! I suppose that gets quite hot but I always imagined they would need a lot more heat

[@motoputz3201]

excellent idea! I use a 100watt light bulb in my trailer during the winter, it tempers the air enough that there is no moisture issues

[@neuro518]

Jump to 5:00 to see how it's made.Also what is the tube made of? What is the thickness (gauge) of the tube? If there is a vent hole in the top of the tube, what is its diameter?

[@antoniotorres-gx1ny]

Hola, estimado Pablo ! Era una idea estupenda para hacer el doblador o domador de aros. Y digo "era" porque hace años que no venden lámparas incandescentes en México. Habrá que buscar un sustituto, como una resistencia de plancha, o algo así. En eso ando...

[@marcusvarella2945]

Thank you soooo much for sharing it, Pablo. Greetings from Brazil

[@robertbrennan3271]

nice presentation Pablo ! ... nice curtains on the windows too !

[@SC-SA]

Thank you Pablo.

[@karelenhenkie666]

This was very helpfull! I also dont have the money for all of the equipment so ive been making most of it myself and couldnt quite figure out how to heat the pupe properly. This is such a simple and cheap solution i couldnt be happier!

[@redkitekk]

Cool, I'm pleased you like it.

[@adrienami8958]

Eureka! Thanks a lot Pablo!

[@dancoy1658]

Wonderfully well done video and information. Keep up the good work. Thank you!

[@victordu4694]

thanks a lot for the tip, it's a really neat and inexpensive idea.

[@rv4891]

Thanks for the video! Simplicity is a wonderful thing.

[@taimoworks]

Maestro, totalmente agardecido por sus buenas ilustraciones y ideas. Estoy enpesando a hacer cuatros y tquiero hacer tiplas boricuas. Con mucho carino les doy las mil gracias por compartir su experincia con nosotros. Un admirador, TainoWorks Virgina USA

[@redkitekk]

Mucha suerte y un saludo

[@JackChessa]

Another cheap way is to use the heating element from a curling iron. Most now have temperature control built in and are to be had for ~$20. Just connect them to the metal tube with some thermal paste and you will be good to go.

[@elSargent93]

does thermal paste act like an adhesive? cheers

[@JackChessa]

sarge.kazoo no you will need another way of attaching.

[@green_building]

Thankyou verymuch for sharing your experience and your knowledge 🙏😊

[@robinmarwick1982]

Thanks Pablo excellent video ...very helpful.

[@walkerditrani4229]

This is brilliant, thank you! I'm curious what kind of metal you used, and the approximate thickness of the tube.

[@robinmarwick1982]

Thanks Pablo an excellent video.

[@rcjoe406]

absolutely brilliant...

[@eoinbutler100]

HaHaha .. a 60Watt Bulb, That is brilliant. Who Knew!! Thank you so much . Love you videos

[@nedo4773]

Thank you very much sir Pablo, great and useful tutorial.

[@MsZlatanIbrahimovich]

Sir, thank you very much for the video! It is very useful!

[@71nortcomm]

Thank you. Very helpful.

[@alfaryhahaha]

thank you so much it's really helpful

[@redkitekk]

You are welcome

[@brethenia]

That was very cool. A simple design. Bravo!

[@bricotico6498]

Wooow so simple Thank you

[@tonymonroy64]

Thank you Pablo It is kind that you shared this with us. I will call it a Requena iron!

[@walterhagstrom9456]

brilliant

[@richardtroell6407]

Thank you Pablo, that is very helpful.

[@redkitekk]

you welcome!!

[@fiftythree30]

great video series, thanks for posting. This one isn't "make your own" but I'm looking around for custom welders. Neat idea to have custom shaped bending irons made for you.

[@TheCompleteGuitarist]

I used a tin can from the supermarket.

[@gesshugh9976]

@@TheCompleteGuitarist There's an idea.

[@TheCompleteGuitarist]

@@gesshugh9976 It works.I found a tin a little narrower than the average. I haven't used what I made extensively but I plan to. The problem nowadays is can you get a bulb that radiates sufficient heat? If all else fails I may experiment with using a tealight (small candle) inside the tin. Stradivari had no power tools.

[@gesshugh9976]

@@TheCompleteGuitarist Good ideas, I'll probably experiment with this and see how it goes. My original idea was much more complex, probably unnecessarily so. I thought to make a clay kiln of sorts, with a cylindrical top.

[@getenlightened]

Brilliant, thank you so much.

[@slowmoejazz]

Great! I love it! time to get to work!

[@johnhaughey5347]

Hi Pablo Great ideas, Was wondering if a sail boat mast section would work, (aluminium) for violin ribs. Thanks

[@margilvale7648]

you are very talented,

[@redkitekk]

Thank you.

[@maca1947]

Thanks for the video and explanation.

[@redkitekk]

you are welcome

[@luisesparteiro5782]

Buenas tardes Pablo Muchas gracias por publicar este video. ¿Me puede decir el espesor del tubo de acero inoxidable. Gracias.

[@lorenzoparedes2306]

Muchisimas gracias. Me imaginaba que no hay necesidad de comprar algo caro, o de hacer algo muy complicado. Voy a buscar una botella de termos que tenga el diametro adecuado, y que este fabricado de acero inoxidable para el mio. Gracias de nuevo.

[@zircontweezers4904]

good idea ,thanks for sharing

[@paulpaterson2677]

Thanks

[@electricragtime]

what a brilliant video ...and what a great idea "a bloody 60watt light bulb" ...thank you my friend

[@redkitekk]

No problem, I am pleased you like it!

[@electricragtime]

I like the whole channel my friend .... I,ve just been watching your video on side bending ... your explanations are excellent ... not a load of technical claptrap like some channels ...thanks again

[@txshupp]

So nice to know this. Thank you

[@redkitekk]

You are welcome.

[@2011Noud]

Thanks a lot for sharing this wonderful idea. I wonder what kind of metal would be the best and thickness of the tubes used but experimenting will do allready a great deal. I'm using a thicker walled copper tube. It heats slower of course but is keeping his actual warmth for a longer time. That will count for other metals as well. But what is best? Copper - Aluminium - Stainless Steel?

[@redkitekk]

I use stainless steel and it works very well!

[@qigong1001]

Brilliant. I suppose you can use a heating bulb (like they use in restaurants to keep food warm) if you want it hotter for more stubborn woods?

[@electricwally]

Hi John, can you please expand on the screw cap? How and where do I purchase a screw cap and is it made of steel? Where would I purchase the steel cyclinder as well? Thanks John.

[@EllyCamperChic]

very clever thank you

[@micheloderso]

Very nice idea.

[@redkitekk]

Thank you

[@mikenotpublicgoogleinfo2880]

That's great. Thanks.

[@leewarren]

Brilliant!

[@user-hl5tc9hk4z]

Thank you

[@henryleal1733]

Thanks 👍

[@jazzman1954]

I am using an upside down stainless steel asparagus boiling pot. £12 eBay. The handles clamped down onto a wood block. 60watts not hot enough I think. Will try 100w.

[@ostroand3722]

Thanks, interesting idea

[@redkitekk]

You are welcome

[@fishbake7]

Now that is COOL!

[@redkitekk]

Thanks!

[@frinxasestronca3399]

Nice idea :)

[@STRUMMERBOY1975]

Yes Very Helpfull ThankYou !! :)

[@MarcosSantos-kg6vn]

Obrigado por compartilhar.

[@redkitekk]

De nada, me alegro de que te sea util!

[@dirtydavesgarage8251]

Genius!

[@DevinJuularValentine]

I had just thrown out an old lamp today... You bet i rushed outside and got it out the bin... Thank you!

[@pglavalle]

Will this method also bend the wood using a higher wattage bulb?

[@staffansvahn]

Hello Pablo, Thank you for all your great videos. They are very inspiring. Could you please tell me what bulb you are using now that the old 'hot' bulbs are no longer available in Europe. Which bulb produces most heat? Thank you for your kind answer. Best wishes

[@redkitekk]

Staffan Svahn a 40 or 60 w would work, there are not so many places where they sell them any more, you are right. You can use a heating element from other aplicación and adjust it for this. I can’t recommend anything specific as I haven’t looked into it.

[@staffansvahn]

@@redkitekk Thank you for your kind reply. Best wishes

[@taimoworks]

Maestro encantado con sus videos. Estoy empesando a contruir mi eramintas y me entersa saber caul es la temperatura favorable que debe de estar el tubo? Yo construi uno igual al que demuestra usted siguiendo su detalles. La diferencia es que le instale un termometro colocado dentro del envase tocando el tubo. El termometro esta controlando cuando debe prender la bombilla. Una vez que la temperatura baja menos de 70 grados la bombilla prende. Yo utilice un controlador de temperatura digital STC-1000 con sensor. Me gustaria gustaria su comentario sobre esto. Muy agradecido por sus charlas y classes sobre estos temas. Espero poder participar en unas de su classes en el futuro...

[@redkitekk]

Hi , it sounds like you have made an improved version of the bending iron. Mine doesn’t have a temperature control so I know that if I spray a bit of water and it boils then it is ready, so my guess is that it is at least 100 degree. I don’t know if this helps, best wishes.

[@CaliRaftDude]

Awesome right up to the point that its a light bulb...lol, jk. Can't find those in CA any more (thankfully still online though).

[@noahaja490]

I wonder wt inside it n ending lol.😅😅. thanks for sharing. I'll try it.

[@GerasimosHandmadeGuitars]

A lamp????? Brilliant! How much time does it take to reach temperature??

[@redkitekk]

It is a little slow but it is worth the wait as it works really well.

[@electricwally]

Pablo, at 5:50 you describe the metal tube that was made for you. What is the little hole at the top cap used for? Thank you. Very helpful.

[@redkitekk]

It is a hole I use to attach a smaller cylinder on top for smaller curves. It is also a good way to see if it is on or off.

[@electricwally]

@@redkitekk ok, thank you Pablo. Can you please tell me the pipe diameters for both of your bending irons (the large one and the small one)? Thank you Pablo.

[@redkitekk]

@@electricwally yes, they are 75 mm and 115 mm. Please check out my course on www.onlineguitarmakingcourse.com

[@maikelbandola]

Cual es el diametro de este tubo ?

[@LeslieHogg]

Hi Happy new year. Can you tell me if there is an earth (ground) wire attached to the metal tube?

[@redkitekk]

Hi, no, you don’t need it as the metal tube is not touching any electrical components.

[@macsmac4332]

Hello Pablo, thanks for sharing this. Would this also work for bending the sides of guitar or would you need more heat? Thank you.

[@redkitekk]

This bending iron does get hot enough to bend the sides, just give it time to get up to temperature. Also just in case you’re interested I have a complete course available on www.onlineguitarmakingcourse.com

[@thebutton7932]

thats a very good, safe idea . . How long does it take to heat up, if I may?

[@redkitekk]

It does take a good 20 minutes/ half an hour. It is a little slow but it works very well.

[@NotJustSawdust]

Thanks for the good tip.... how long does the light-bulb last? (I would have to buy a lot in stock maybe, because they aren't sold that much anymore over here)

[@redkitekk]

I don't really know the answer to your question, I made that bending iron years ago and I don't think I have change the light bulb more than 3 or 4 times. May be you can find a proper heating element to fit inside the tube.

[@TheCompleteGuitarist]

I made one when I first saw this video using nothing more than a tin can from the supermarket and 100w light bulb. Pros ... it works Cons ... getting a conventional bulb that heats up is becoming increasingly difficult.

[@thurgogopro5338]

You could use a 12v car headlight bulb connect the dip main together and get a lot of heat and is safer.

[@docdoc]

Very nice Pablo thank you! I'm quite surprised a 60w light bulb would get hot enough to bend rosewood sides. Since you mentioned that the plain cylinder was the first one you had, I wonder if you find he tear drop shape on the Ibex better for bending sides? Thanks for all the amazing videos, greatly appreciated!

[@youtubecommentor4480]

Pablo, is that tube made out of steel or aluminum? Thank you.

[@redkitekk]

It is made of steel but you can also use aluminum

[@youtubecommentor4480]

@@redkitekk ok thank you Pablo. Will this bending iron work with acoustic guitar sides? Also, what is the thickness of the steel that was made for you at the machine shop? Thanks Pablo.

[@khawk7365]

Thank you so much. Do you ever make ukulele? If you do do you follow same procedures?

[@redkitekk]

K Hawk I don’t make ukuleles, I would imagine the process is very similar.

[@khawk7365]

@@redkitekk thank you

[@Wolfen6]

Have you ever measured the temperature of the cylinder? If so, how hot does it get with the 60W bulb?

[@redkitekk]

I have never measured it, when I spray a bit of water on it and it boils I know it is ready.

[@bentoa166]

Hi, thanks for the vid. What's the diameter of your large one? More specifically, what's your recommended shroud diameters for acoustic guitar building if I ws to make a small and a large?

[@bentoa166]

BTW don't worry about any consideration for the inside diameter of the light bulb, I'm going to use a cartridge heater. So interested in your opinion on the best shroud or bending diameters.

[@redkitekk]

bentoa166 the diameter on the small one is 75 mm and the big one 115 mm, but you don’t need to be too strict with these dimensions as when you heat up the strips they are very flexible and they will accommodate to other diameter very easily, it’s only when they are cold they get more rigid.

[@ZorroCosmico]

Excuse, that really works with a bulb only, it really does? if that's so I'll really try

[@amca755]

Hi Pablo. I am also interested in the material (stainless or not) and gauge. I also noticed the hole in the top of one of the devices; is that for safety to keep the device from getting too hit? Working on second guitar since LH 2015.

[@redkitekk]

Alec McAndrew the gauge isn’t too important as long as it is rigid enough. The one in the video with the hole in the top is made of stainless steel but you can also make it with other metal. The hole on the top is to attach a smaller cylinder on it.

[@FoamySlobbers]

@@redkitekk Chef tools work well also 1 1/2 qt. to 2 qt bain maries. at any restaurant type shop.

[@ogynit2984]

where can I find that kink of iron pipe in malaga? Thank you. Very useful

[@redkitekk]

when I made mine I went to a metal worker in Poligono El Viso, just outside Malaga. Just look around that area and you will be able to find someone who can do it for you. I made mine 20 years ago so I don have a name to give you.

[@mrgroovestring]

Thank you for this information. Would you tell me what the length and diameter of the metal tube that you used for yours was? Does it matter if its Aluminum or Steel? Thank you for your help

[@redkitekk]

ogynit The tube in my bending on is made of steel, but it doesn't matter if you make it with aluminium. The diameter is 70 mm and the length 200 mm

[@jamesluff8415]

Thanks for the video. I've just made a bending iron just like this with a 150w lightbulb inside a sealed aluminium tube but I find that the lightbulb blows (literally blows, in that the glass bulb breaks off at the bottom with a large bang) after about 10 minutes of bending. I imagine it's because it's just getting way too hot. Do you have any advice about how to prevent this? Is that what the hole in the top of your tube is for?

[@redkitekk]

I Use a 60W bulb, perhaps the problem is that you are using light bulb stronger than it needs to be. The hole at the top is to be able to attach an additional cylinder, nothing to do with ventilation but I suppose that yes, some heat will be lost out of the hole.

[@jamesluff8415]

@@redkitekk Hi Pablo, thanks for the reply. Ah ok, yes, if it works well for you with 60w then I imagine 150w is probably excessive. I'll try a lower wattage!

[@redkitekk]

@@jamesluff8415 just in case you are interested I have a complete guitar making course available on www.onlineguitarmakingcourse.com

[@jamesluff8415]

@@redkitekk Thank you, that's good to know. I'm actually doing a lute-making course at the moment, but would certainly like to make a guitar in the future.

[@andreykudryavtsev8215]

Does it have a small hole on top?

[@redkitekk]

Yes, I use an attachment with a smaller diameter cylinder that screws in on the top.

[@draganmirkovic9377]

Great! What material Is tube made of? Is that aluminium?

[@redkitekk]

Dragan Petković no, it is steel, but aluminum would work as well.

[@draganmirkovic9377]

@@redkitekk Pablo i decided first to make my own solera mould and banding iron with help of your great videos. Second is to by all the tools. Do you have any video about the tools necessary for classical guitarmaking?

[@redkitekk]

@@draganmirkovic9377 If you send me an email from the contact page on my website I will reply sending you a tool list.

[@draganmirkovic9377]

@@redkitekk Thank you. You are great teacher and person.

[@Meltezz7]

I honestly thought it was going to be a pointed hot iron for soldering.

[@DrJGang]

I guess the video I'm actually looking for is how to befriend a metalworker.

[@ManolisOuds]

You have just made my day. And I will be more rich for 240Euros!

[@jasonadams527]

Thanks Pablo ... I make all my own tooling and this project had me thinking of using a water heater element. But thanks to you you reminded me that I used to make rod ovens for welding rod with light bulbs for heating elements. What is so wonderful about using a light bulb (at least while incandescents are still available) is the replacement element is so available and cheap that it is the only way to go. Better buy a box or two quick before the environment Nazi's outlaw them.

[@4fingers183]

Hahaha...environment nazis. Energy efficient bulbs are here to radiate us...that's why they are coated with so many lethal stuff like mercury (which is a very scarce metal)...i guess our fried butts are worth it. Think of this next time you get a headake or cancer

[@Ana_crusis]

idiot. Go away

[@kevinwalsh1400]

a light bulb moment...............thanks

[@jarrwogokill8203]

How many watts bulbs you use?

[@redkitekk]

60w