Kitebuilder.com

Stan · Joined: 18 Nov 2003 Posts: 598 Location: San Diego

I've tried steam from an espesso machine, boiling in water and steaming over a kettle with no real success. I now use a hot 100W lightbulb. You can feel the spar take a set as it's heated. All traditional kite builders use dry heat to bend bamboo, either a candle, hot iron or burning coal.

It works best with the skin on the outside of the curve.
I have a filigree lamp that holds the bend spar against the bulb, but you can use your hands. Ideally a luthier's iron would really be great!

Happy Holidays! Very Happy

Steve D · Joined: 02 Sep 2003 Posts: 746 Location: USA GA Newnan

Are you able to get a deep enough bend (30 to 40 degrees) for an eddy?

Stan · Joined: 18 Nov 2003 Posts: 598 Location: San Diego

I believe so, but the bend will have about a 1 inch radius. There's a limit to how tightly it can curve.

Progcraft · Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2004 2:47 pm Post subject:

Stan · Joined: 18 Nov 2003 Posts: 598 Location: San Diego

Slow here, warm day, my wife's working and there's no wind. I'm just watching the dog sleep and listening to the radio. Another DINK Christmas in paradise. Wink

Steve D · Joined: 02 Sep 2003 Posts: 746 Location: USA GA Newnan

You and me both Terry! Cool

KiteSquid · Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2004 10:14 am Post subject:

But we have three incomes.....

Are we TINK????

How hot does a luthier's iron get???

I found one HERE

Also HERE is a "Bending Pipe" that is heated internaly with a propane torch. I like this idea as you could easly change the pipes to change diamaters.... or have a stepped cylinder setup too...

Also their Stainless Steel Bending Aid looks like it would keep your fingers safley away from the heat.

Look at their Bending Blankets. Neat idea but I would have to look at one to see how it would work...
_________________
VR/
KiteSquid
AKA TakoIka
AKA Harold
King George VA

P.S. Yet another post by the Squid..... Shocked

Doesent he ever shut up???

P.P.S. The wind is like the air, only pushier.

Stan · Joined: 18 Nov 2003 Posts: 598 Location: San Diego

There are some luthier's irons that are egg-shaped for various radii.
One more income and you'll become a FINK. Then you'll need a heat resistant credit card!

I still like the ever-present incandescent light bulb, available in various heat ranges and diameters at a store near you.

KiteSquid · Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2004 8:35 am Post subject:

and the incandescent light bulbs are easyer on the wallet.....
_________________
VR/
KiteSquid
AKA TakoIka
AKA Harold
King George VA

P.S. Yet another post by the Squid..... Shocked

Doesent he ever shut up???

P.P.S. The wind is like the air, only pushier.

dpb · Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2005 8:11 pm Post subject:

There is a wonderful little tool for "Plank on Frame" model ship building, called a "Plank Bender". It is a metal French curve at the end of a handle. You can get a reostat for heat control, and a lot of people place the handle in a large block of wood so they can have both hands free. You are supposed to soak your planks before starting, and then use the heated plank bender to put a permanent curve in them.

It works great on bamboo as well, and yes, soak your bamboo before you start. Soaked bamboo works very well for shaping (you essentially steam your bamboo into shape and there is less chance of burning it).

Dave
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Cherry Blossoms fall like rain,
A lively kite steals the sky,
Paradise in a moment.