I don’t have a bending machine though I see it as a big help. But I only build 4-5 ukuleles per year. My home built bending iron does include a thermocouple so I can adjust the dimmer switch to regulate the light bulb inside and thus control the temperature. My bending iron includes a wind up timer that only allows me to keep it on for 30 minutes. So even if I forget, it will shut it off…. As my shop is in the basement below my house that is pretty important!

I just bent a set of sides. I have one bender. The first side came out good, a little cracking in the inside of the waste. But not serious. The second side however is a disaster. The waste cracked almost in half and the upper bout split out in several places. I watched the temperature very closely and it was right. I've already been thinking the blanket and slates weren't tight enough together and you answered that question for me. So now I've got one ok side with no mate and a matching back already braced and no matching sides. This could end up being a very eclectic guitar.

May I suggest a manuel meat thermometer? Great job.

do you have a source for the spring steel?

Have you shown how you locate the waist before you bend? How do you mark the waist or know where to make the bend for it?

thank you Eric . okay no licking ! got it.

Such a nice looking young man when he's all trimmed up. I'm an old fart with a beard. I remember when it was dark and red like his. I know it's not PC to comment on how people look these days. But since it's just us friends here, I feel comfortable commenting how good looking this young guy is when he's all "clean cut." I just don't get the giant beard thing going on today with the young men. (Totally embarrassing old grandpa vibe.) (I used to wear an onion on my belt.... It was the style back then.)