Electric Shank Bender

[richard.ucci@att.net]

I've had success using a mini butane torch passed quickly up and down the 
shank. Also helps to have some gloves handy while bending the shank.

rick ucci/ ucci piano
> At 03:02 PM 9/8/2003 -0400, you wrote:
> >Never have used these.  Butr it seems they would burn the shank.  Do you 
> >put water on the shank.
> >
> >What is the technique for using these pliers or the ones you heat up with 
> >a torch
> >
> >Or how do the rest of you bend warped hammer shanks (w/o the bending pliers)
> >
> >Thanks
> >
> >Dick Day
> >Marshall MI
> 
> You can use either the electric bending pliers or an alcohol lamp (passed 
> rapidly along the shank, don't let it sit still) with success if you are 
> careful. If you bend by hand with the alcohol lamp, you need to hold the 
> part in place until it cools a little. The electric benders work better if 
> you keep a sample shank handy to test the heat, and if you have a rheostat 
> which can adjust how much current they are getting. If the wood turns brown 
> and starts to smoke, the pliers are too hot (natch.) If the sample shank 
> doesn't want to bend, they are not hot enough.
> 
> Both systems work better on newer shanks, which are more limber and less 
> brittle and dried out.
> 
> I have had good success with the pliers on brittle old shanks by using 
> alcohol first. Dampen a small foam (throw-away) brush with a few drops of 
> vodka -- it takes very little, and more would run down and ruin the butt 
> leather -- then swab the shank quickly with it. It soaks right in. The 
> alcohol evaporates very quickly so that the bending pliers don't set it 
> alight. Then when you put on the pliers (tested first for the right amount 
> of heat) you get a gentle hiss as the water from the vodka turns to steam. 
> At this point the shank will bend without breaking -- well, I've never had 
> one break. If you take it too far, dampen again with vodka (the alcohol 
> helps the water soak in deep) and bend them back.
> 
> It's probably a good idea to practice on some scrap parts first.
> 
> Susan
> 
> 
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