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Another interesting project

I got a call the other day from a guy that builds banjos ... yes , he's a banjo builder . Anyway , he builds up the body band with 3 layers of wood , apparently steamed wood to get it to bend that tightly . The end result of our conversations is that I'm going to build him some compression bands to pull the bent wood tightly to a core form . I'll be using stainless steel since most wood glues leave an ugly black stain in the wood if they come in contact with mild steel . And I'll get to hone my rudimentary SS welding skills . TIG on , men !

Reply to
Snag
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I was watching a program about the UK guitar maker Atkin

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recently and it showed them forming the sides of the guitar and that was done using a heat band to heat and soften the wood so it could be pressed and bent to the side contours. They mentioned that it was not heated too long or it could start to burn or discolour the wood, just enough to get the bend done, looks more extreme than a banjo. IIRC the heat softens the lignin allowing it to become more pliable probably the same as steaming.

Reply to
David Billington

I have little experience with steaming or heating wood to bend it . The little I did turned out OK but nothing special enough to write home to mother about . This young feller has a couple of national pickin' trophies on his shelf . Decided to start making them instead of playing them and is apparently quite successful . Anybody want to guess how much a handmade banjo sells for ? I really have no idea , but I'm guessin' it's well into 4 figures . This guy's work is exquisite , and I say that from a background of building high end custom commercial millwork .

Reply to
Snag

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