This is the nerve wracking moment of uke building. If you don't do it right it is very easy to break a side as you put the bend in it. The secret of course is heat, enough heat to change those molecules in the wood and allow it to bend. Not enough heat and you break the side, too much heat and you scorch and char the wood. I find I have the best control and feel for the bend by bending the wood over the heat blanket and under the flexible steel. Notice my wife's candy thermometer laying there, I sneak it out of the kitchen during the bend. This home made, home designed bender works just fine
