,THIS IS ALWAYS A CRITICAL TIME; bending sides is a nerve-wracking event. Especially when bending scarce and precious Rosewoods. The process I use begins with,
1. spritzing the side with water.
2. wrapping it in paper, and then spritzing the paper package.
3. wrapping it in an envelope of aluminum foil
4. setting it in the bender on a stainless steel bending sheet
5. placing the heat blanket over it.
6. placing another stainless steel bending sheet on the top.
7. then the heat blanket is turned on and when the temp gets to 300 degrees the bend slowly begins
1. spritzing the side with water.
2. wrapping it in paper, and then spritzing the paper package.
3. wrapping it in an envelope of aluminum foil
4. setting it in the bender on a stainless steel bending sheet
5. placing the heat blanket over it.
6. placing another stainless steel bending sheet on the top.
7. then the heat blanket is turned on and when the temp gets to 300 degrees the bend slowly begins
Now you place this sandwich into the bender vise and carefully arrange it in the proper position. Then it is time to slightly tighten the threaded handle lowering the bending block just slightly and to turn on the heat blanket.
 as the heat increases past 300 degrees you slowly screw down the waist block. By the time it is 350 you can cinch it down tight and then very slowly begin to bend the big curves around the bouts. Very slowly only bending when the wood is willing |  The temp will get up to and a little above 400 degrees. slowly you bend the sides with wooden blocks and leather gloves to protect your hands. Finally you can connect the spring loaded blocks that will keep the wood bent. Now let it cook for a few minutes before turning off the heat. Let it slowly cool in the bender to 100 degrees or so. |
Now you can take the press apart and free the bent side. Here it is still wrapped in foil and paper. Holding your breath you unwrap the package to see what luck you have had.
Ah! sweet success, both of the East Indian Rosewood sides turned out perfectly. I put them in this holder as they cool and dry. Lets hope the other Rosewoods bend as well.
 This is the simple little thermometer I use to keep track of temperature. Works like a charm. |  The power passes through this controller from the 110 circuit to the heat blanket. I can turn it up or down, or regulate the temperature with it. |
Here is the first bend, Two excellent sides of East Indian Rosewood. Hope the rest do as well
