Violin Forum/Message Board

Dave Chandler · Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2014 6:15 pm Post subject: Tools for Bending Ribs

Any thoughts on which violin rib bending iron I should buy? I see stuff on ebay from $30 or so out of China, and from the supply stores they're in the hundreds. Somewhere in between might be something I'd spend money on and am looking for recommendations.
_________________
Dave in the Blue Ridge
Southern Violin Association

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to the next with no loss of enthusiasm" Winston Churchill

"I took the road less travelled, and now I don't know where I am." Marco Polo

DonLeister · Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2014 7:30 pm Post subject:

I have to go see what brand I have, I think it came from int. Luthiers or int. violin co.
It has an adjustable thermostat which is nice and has worked well for 25 yrs.

It looks like this. http://www.theviolinman.co.uk/storeimages/bendiron.jpg

ctviolin · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2014 8:21 am Post subject:

Cliff Green · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2014 1:19 pm Post subject:

I have used the same(Ibex?) iron for twenty years or so. I have a 1" aluminum cylinder that is bolted to the top of the casting which is good for the tight C bout turns. It would be easy enough to drill and tap the aluminum casting and drill a piece of 1" aluminum rod.
My iron was not heating very well and seems the heating element was failing. I replaced the element and it now works well, even better than when it was new so I think the element was sketchy from the beginning.

L P Reedy · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2014 5:41 pm Post subject:

I've never used a "proper" bending iron, so I may not be much help. I've read that the Chinese ones can be good and have a smaller radius on one end as well as a true temperature controller instead of a rheostat, but may have inadequate wiring. My only experience has been with cylindrical irons, mostly hair curling irons. For some time I've used a one inch Conair instant heat iron that I paid $8 for new. It heats up in about one minute and 20 seconds, contains a thermostat and has about 25 heat settings. I almost always use it on high.

Dave Chandler · Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2014 5:29 pm Post subject: Bending iron

LP - I've been using a curling iron, great for linings, not so great for heavily curled maple. Need more heat, spread out. I'm starting violin #20, I think its time I started getting some serious tools of the trade. Time to ask Santa for a serious rib bending iron.
_________________
Dave in the Blue Ridge
Southern Violin Association

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to the next with no loss of enthusiasm" Winston Churchill

"I took the road less travelled, and now I don't know where I am." Marco Polo

DonLeister · Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2014 9:02 pm Post subject:

CT, I used to think the curve wasn't small enough but it works ok. That's the only curve I use anyway, I use the flat on top mostly since I have some forms made that I press the rib against and leave it to cool.

DonLeister · Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2014 9:05 pm Post subject:

I take that back, I use the whole curve to do purflings, stack four together and go wild.

L P Reedy · Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2014 4:28 pm Post subject:

Dave, I don't know what types you have tried, but the "instant heat" variety are in an entirely different class than regular modern irons, which are designed more for safety than for effectiveness. I've seen one, can't think of the name, that goes up to around 400 deg F and includes a temp indicator. The trick with strong curl seems to be good backing and slow movement around the iron. But I really can't claim expertise, other than I very rarely break a rib. Let us know if you see a big improvement.