Page 16

This is the center bout rib bending fixture. The metal strip is brass, to distribute the heat from the bending iron through to the maple rib.

This is another style for bending upper and lower bouts ribs. The rubber strip is silicone rubber which can take 450* F. heat, while two brass strips sandwich the rib stock during heat bending.

These two blocks (one with a copper shoe on one side) are used for pushing on the rib against the heating iron.

This electric temperature meter is connected to a thermocouple which is seen above clamped on the bottom of the heating iron with a stainless steel hose clamp. Notice the temperature. About 380*F, or a little highter , is an ideal temperature for bending .