-Getting started
-PVC Clamp
-Gobar
-PVC Gobar
-Gobar Deck
-Sandpaper Cutter
-Sanding Block
-Fret File
-Bending Jig
phone/fax:
(808) 847-1541
718 Puuhale Rd.
Honolulu, HI
96819
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Bending Jig
This simple jig is perfect for bending sides with a Heatblanket. The jig shown here is an example only! Measurements and
shape will depend on the ukulele you're making. Remember, you can create a form in any shape or size desired. This is the basic idea.
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Bending Jig Components
Materials:
1 sheet 25" x 21" x 3/4" birch ply
(this jig will be getting wet so stay away from Particle board or MDF)
1 strip 5" x 24" sheet metal
5 each: 1" diameter dowels, 9" long
1 each: 3" diameter dowel, 9" long
6 each: 3/8" x 9" all thread rods
6 each: 3/8" wing-nuts
6 each: 3/8" nuts
6 each: 3/8" washers
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Steps:
1. Transfer the ukulele shape to your ply
and cut your pieces.
2. Mark the sides before drilling holes for
your 1" dowels. Place the holes 2-3"
away from the edge of the board. We want one
at the upper bout of the form, one directly
below the waist, and one at the lower bout
of the form.
3. Mark both sides exactly the same! The dowels
have to go through your form, so the holes
must be aligned. Drill the holes when ready.
4. Assemble the box using glue, nails, screws
or all of the above. The base of your form
is oversized so you can easily clamp it to
your worksurface.
5. Nail sheet metal down over the top of the
form.
6. Drill 3/8" holes about 1" from
the ends of your dowels. Put the dowels through
the holes in your form. Use the all thread
rod to hold down the other dowel.
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Bending Jig:
Note the slotted dowel used for the waist.
You'll need to slot all the hold-down dowels
so they can slip easily into place.
After
bending you can easily slip the dowels out
of the way to retrive your piece.
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Bending Jig:
Another view of our completed Bending jig....
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Bending Jig Inside View:
This shows how the hold-down dowels run
all the way through our form. Using dowels
lets us rotate the hold-down bars slightly.
This is a nice added feature allowing us to gradually
work the side down onto the form.
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