I would appreciate any advice. I am attempting to build a guitar using Sapele. I’ve spent countless hours reading and watching videos. The problem that I’m having is spring back. I’ve successfully bent other species in the past but I’m baffled by Sapele.
Using a fox style bender with heating blanket. Spring steel slats. Thickness of .080. I’ve tried soaking the sides as described in Eric Schaefer’s video. I’ve tried a light mist. High heat, low heat. Short times, long times. Second heating after letting it cool first. I haven’t cracked any sides or scorched anything yet. I purchased some practice sides - unsure of species - and they bent perfectly.
Is there some secret to bending this wood? I’ve bent 3/4” white oak for other projects that has less spring back than 2mm Sapele. Thanks in advance.