Prof Bending Iron

The iron itself is 6 1/2" long and 3 3/16" in cross-section. The width in cross-section is 2 1/8" at the widest point. The small side of the iron is particularly useful for small radius bending. The variable heat setting is helpful for finding the optimum heat-setting at which various woods will bend. It's mounted on a hardwood base that has a large hole drilled through it for clamping either vertically or horizontally to your bench.

• We recommend you practice bending before working on your actual sides. LMI sells practice sides thickness sanded to .090” for a very reasonable price.
• Use caution when bending sides and always wear gloves.
• Clamp the LMI bending iron to your workbench using the holes on each side. Clamp both sides as you will be applying quite a bit of pressure to the iron while bending and you don’t want it moving. Preheat your
• LMI bending iron for approximately 10 minutes on setting 7 before bending your sides. Most woods bend well between 275 and 400 degrees depending on the wood species and the amount of figure. Indian Rosewood is relatively easy to bend while flamed Maple is extremely difficult. Higher temperatures are better for more difficult woods, but extreme caution must be used to avoid scorching your wood
• If you prefer to bend wet, spritzing the wood with a spray bottle should provide sufficient moisture. You can continue to spritz the wood should it become too dry while bending. Always place your sides in a form immediately after bending to prevent excessive spring back.
•  Warning: You should not let your bending iron sit for long periods of time without something (a set of sides) to which it can transfer its heat. The heating element in the iron can burn out and even cause a fire if left on for long periods of time.