was my iron too hot?

[Stephen47]

I just ruined two bubinga sides. Now having read various threads on the subject I wonder it my bending iron was too hot. I don't have a thermometer to check it but I had the dial all the way hot?
What is the best temp for bending?
Btw the piece I used to practice on came out perfect. (figures)

[Laser Bob]

How "Ruined"? Do you dampen your sides and go slowly? I've seen minor problems arise when bending sides, mostly at the edges of the piece. Our benders use light bulbs as the heat source - Yours the same? More details might make diagnosis easier.

B

[Stephen47]

Ruined as cracked and now ashes.
I use an electric bending iron.
I did dampen the sides but perhaps I rushed it and used too much pressure. I will be more patient with the next try.

[Kitchen Guitars]

Originally Posted by Stephen47

Ruined as cracked and now ashes.
I use an electric bending iron.
I did dampen the sides but perhaps I rushed it and used too much pressure. I will be more patient with the next try.

I watched a great demo between two expert Luthiers. One was a Bender guy, the other a pipe with a Charcoal heater in it. BOTH agreed you lose less sides on a hot pipe. As said; "They groan before they cry." The Pipe advocate said a 100 sets no cracks.