Bending the Bands
Bands need to be bent into the circular shape before joining several layers to form the rim and the resonator. Wood is dried, selected for grain direction and beauty and sawn into correct sizes to bend. Quartersawn lumber bends nicer and in some woods, like sycamore, it enhances the beauty. A special stainless steel trough with propane burners underneath heats the water to boil the bands. Once pliable, they are hooked into a special form and bent into a complete circle. A wooden clip holds them from opening back up while they dry into the new shape. Once dry, they are inspected for imperfections where 40 – 50% are discarded.
The next step...Rim and Resonator.
