SKU: SPB

*Bending machine for guitar sides - Price starts at:

$484.14

We start you off with the basic bending machine - you choose options to suit your needs. The basic price does not include the temperature controller or the bending blanket in case you already own them BUT these are critical safety items and if you don't already own them, you need to purchase them.

Additional molds can be purchased separately.

Basic bender includes:

Bending Machine base w/rollers
Mold and matching shoes of your choice
SPBL13/SPBL13220 - 5.75" x 5.75" thermal blanket for waist bending
SPB020 - .020" spring steel 5" x 5" slat (1) for waist support
SPB008 - .008" spring steel 36" x 6" slats (2)
Full set of instructions with photos

Add on:

TC120/TC220 Temperature controller w/2 thermocouples
SPBL8/SPBL8220 - 36" x 6" thermal blanket for side bending

Product Description

Don't forget to save your customization to be able to add to cart

Bending Machine Basic Jig "included" - Ready to Customize 250 char. max
Image 1 No selected file .png .jpg .gif
Image 2 No selected file .png .jpg .gif
Bending Mold 250 char. max
Waist Blanket 250 char. max
Included base components 250 char. max
Temperature Controller 250 char. max
Side Bending Blanket 250 char. max

In Stock

Attachments

TC Troubleshooting Guide

LMI Bending Machine Instructions

LMI Bender Important Hints

Click on the choices below to customize your product

Chrome / Firefox browsers are highly recommended. Internet Explorer is not recommended!

Bending Mold

Choose a bending mold - included, no additional charge.

You can't add more than 1 quantities

You must add a minimum of 1 quantities

Item Details

Classical mold and shoe set for LMI bending machine (ref: SPMOLD1)

LMI's classical mold is made to specifically match the PL28 Ramirez plan, but the shape is very close to the PL40 Hauser plan and the PL64 Hauser plan. These plans are compared in the images at left.

One mold is included with the bending machine, but additional molds can be purchased separately.

Our bending molds are undersized by 0.200" (5mm) to allow for the slat/wood/blanket/slat stack height and wood spring back so don't expect them to match the plans or templates exactly.

$0.00

Classical mold and shoe set for LMI bending machine (ref: SPMOLD1)

$0.00
Item Details

Dreadnought mold and shoe set for LMI bending machine (ref: SPMOLD3)

LMI's dreadnought bending mold is made to match the Scott Antes PL48 plan.

One mold is included with the bending machine, but additional molds can be purchased separately.

Our bending molds are undersized by 0.200" (5mm) to allow for the slat/wood/blanket/slat stack height and wood spring back so don't expect them to match the plans or templates exactly.

$0.00

Dreadnought mold and shoe set for LMI bending machine (ref: SPMOLD3)
Dreadnought mold/shoe combination compatible with the PL48 Dreadnought plan.

$0.00
Item Details

Parlor/small concert mold and shoe set for LMI bending machine (ref: SPMOLD8)

LMI's small concert mold is made to specifically match the PL29 Scott Antes plan, but the shape is very close to the PL45 Martin 1918 1-18 plan. These plans are compared in the images at left.

One mold is included with the bending machine, but additional molds can be purchased separately.

Our bending molds are undersized by 0.200" (5mm) to allow for the slat/wood/blanket/slat stack height and wood spring back so don't expect them to match the plans or templates exactly.

$0.00

Parlor/small concert mold and shoe set for LMI bending machine (ref: SPMOLD8)
Small Concert/Parlor mold/shoe combination compatible with the PL29 Parlor/Small Concert plan and the PL45 Martin I-18 plan.

$0.00
Item Details

Jumbo (J-200-style) mold and shoe set for LMI bending machine (ref: SPMOLD10)

LMI's jumbo mold is made to specifically match the PL55 Micheletti plan, but the shape is very close to the PL33 Benedetto archtop plan. These plans are compared in the images at left.

One mold is included with the bending machine, but additional molds can be purchased separately.

Our bending molds are undersized by 0.200" (5mm) to allow for the slat/wood/blanket/slat stack height and wood spring back so don't expect them to match the plans or templates exactly.

$0.00

Jumbo (J-200-style) mold and shoe set for LMI bending machine (ref: SPMOLD10)
Jumbo mold/shoe combination compatible with the PL55 J-200 plan and the PL33 Benedetto non-cutaway archtop plan.

$0.00
Item Details

OM/000 mold and shoe set for LMI bending machine (ref: SPMOLD13)

LMI's OM/000 mold is made to specifically match the PL34 Scott Antes plan, but the shape is very close to the PL31 auditorium style plan.. These plans are compared in the images at left.

One mold is included with the bending machine, but additional molds can be purchased separately.

Our bending molds are undersized by 0.200" (5mm) to allow for the slat/wood/blanket/slat stack height and wood spring back so don't expect them to match the plans or templates exactly.

$0.00

OM/000 mold and shoe set for LMI bending machine (ref: SPMOLD13)
OM/000 mold/shoe combination compatible with the PL31 Martin 000-style plan and the PL34 OM plan.

$0.00
Item Details

O'Brien classical mold and shoe set for LMI bending machine (ref: SPMOLD16)

LMI's O'Brien classical mold is made to match the PL79 Robbie O'Brien classical plan.

One mold is included with the bending machine, but additional molds can be purchased separately.

Our bending molds are undersized by 0.200" (5mm) to allow for the slat/wood/blanket/slat stack height and wood spring back so don't expect them to match the plans or templates exactly.

$0.00

O'Brien classical mold and shoe set for LMI bending machine (ref: SPMOLD16)
O'Brien classical mold/shoe combination compatible with the PL79 O'Brien classical plan.

$0.00

Clear selection

Waist Blanket

Choose either a 120v (USA) or 220v (international) waist blanket - included, no additional charge.

You can't add more than 1 quantities

You must add a minimum of 1 quantities

Item Details

Waist bending blanket for SPB bender, 120v (ref: SPBL13)

Our specially made 1/16" hard rubber heating blankets are made to heat thin wood pieces, like guitar sides and bindings, to the 300+°F necessary to bend them to the desired shape. These blankets can reach 500°F in just a minute or two, therefore, they must be used with either a timer or temperature controller to keep the blanket and/or the wood from burning up. These devices are absolutely necessary for safety in your shop. Our LMI Temperature Controller (part #TC120 or TC220) and timer (part #DT) are highly recommended for use with these blankets and are required for us to honor a warranty.

$0.00

Waist bending blanket for SPB bender, 120v (ref: SPBL13)
120v (USA) waist blanket.

$0.00
Item Details

Waist bending blanket for SPB bender, 220v international (ref: SPBL13220)

Our specially made 1/16" hard rubber heating blankets are made to heat thin wood pieces, like guitar sides and bindings, to the 300+°F necessary to bend them to the desired shape. These blankets can reach 500°F in just a minute or two, therefore, they must be used with either a timer or temperature controller to keep the blanket and/or the wood from burning up. These devices are absolutely necessary for safety in your shop. Our LMI Temperature Controller (part #TC120 or TC220) and timer (part #DT) are highly recommended for use with these blankets and are required for us to honor a warranty.

$0.00

Waist bending blanket for SPB bender, 220v international (ref: SPBL13220)
220v (international) waist blanket

$0.00

Clear selection

Temperature Controller

Choose either a 120v (USA) or 220v (international) temperature controller. The 220v is NOT for use in the USA.

You can't add more than 1 quantities

You must add a minimum of 0 quantities

Item Details

Temperature controller for heating blankets, 120 volt (ref: TC120)

LMI's temperature controller is designed to take the guesswork out of using our repair/heating blankets. This controller is designed so that you can set your desired temperature and the controller will bring the blanket to that temperature and maintain it within 2 or 3 degrees.

Blanket Temperature Controller Features:

* Sophisticated controller utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) enhancements and auto-tuning of parameters for precise control.
* Rugged solid-state design for long life
* 10amp continuous load rating
* High power circuit and controller power circuits separately fused.

2-year warranty parts and labor.

$192.76

Temperature controller for heating blankets, 120 volt (ref: TC120)
120v controller for use in the USA.

$192.76
Item Details

Temperature controller for heating blankets, 220volt (ref: TC220)

LMI's temperature controller is designed to take the guesswork out of using our repair/heating blankets. This controller is designed so that you can set your desired temperature and the controller will bring the blanket to that temperature and maintain it within 2 or 3 degrees.

Blanket Temperature Controller Features:

* Sophisticated controller utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) enhancements and auto-tuning of parameters for precise control.
* Rugged solid-state design for long life
* 10amp continuous load rating
* High power circuit and controller power circuits separately fused.

2-year warranty parts and labor.

$192.76

Temperature controller for heating blankets, 220volt (ref: TC220)
220v temperature controller for international use - not for use in the USA.

$192.76

Clear selection

Side Bending Blanket

Choose either a 120v (USA) or 220v (international) waist blanket.

You can't add more than 1 quantities

You must add a minimum of 0 quantities

Item Details

Guitar side bending blanket, 120v, 1035 watts (ref: SPBL8)

Our specially made 1/16" hard rubber heating blankets are made to heat thin wood pieces, like guitar sides and bindings, to the 300+°F necessary to bend them to the desired shape. These blankets can reach 500°F in just a minute or two, therefore, they must be used with a temperature controller to keep the blanket and/or the wood from burning up. We also recommend you use a timer so you don't forget the blanket is on. These devices are absolutely necessary for safety in your shop. Our LMI Temperature Controller (part #TC120 or TC220) and timer (part #DT) are highly recommended for use with these blankets and are required for us to honor a warranty. See below in Recommended Products for a link to these items.

$155.58

Guitar side bending blanket, 120v, 1035 watts (ref: SPBL8)
120v side bending blanket for USA.

$155.58
Item Details

Guitar side bending blanket, 220v international (ref: SPBL8220)

Our specially made 1/16" hard rubber heating blankets are made to heat thin wood pieces, like guitar sides and bindings, to the 300+°F necessary to bend them to the desired shape. These blankets can reach 500°F in just a minute or two, therefore, they must be used with a temperature controller to keep the blanket and/or the wood from burning up. We also recommend you use a timer so you don't forget the blanket is on. These devices are absolutely necessary for safety in your shop. Our LMI Temperature Controller (part #TC120 or TC220) and timer (part #DT) are highly recommended for use with these blankets and are required for us to honor a warranty. See below in Recommended Products for a link to these items.

$155.58

Guitar side bending blanket, 220v international (ref: SPBL8220)
220v side bending blanket for international. Not for use in the USA.

$155.58

Clear selection

Overview

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Product Description

TACTILE FEEDBACK: Since the temperature is controlled automatically, there is no need to rush the bend. The wood will neither get too hot nor cool off. Engage the wood until you feel it relax under the roller, and then press it into shape as its resistance subsides.

LMI BENDING MACHINE FEATURES:

Open cantilever design provides easy front access for loading/unloading of wood/slat stack.
The aluminum extrusion backbone is adjustable to accommodate smaller projects.
Precision Machine head design incorporates interchangeable waist caul/shoe sets.
Upgraded head press screw
Compact size/Smaller footprint - The stable base houses the new temperature controller.
Pre-drilled base for rigid bench mounting or our unique center pivot setup.
Simple breakdown - 2 compact components
Revolutionary roller clamp maintains constant spring tension.
Silicone rubber sheathed roller for high-temperature no-slip bending.
Stable Roller assembly won’t wander/drift under spring tension.
New mold design adds continuous center support.
Mold locks to base
Compact Molds break down for easy storage.
Full-length spring steel slats 0.008" provide greater functionality during bending.
Unique waist spring steel slat 0.020"

Overview - The LMI Side Bender

Assembly of the LMI Side Bender

How to Use the LMI Side Bender

The LMI Side Bender Custom Mold Template Kit

Details

Shipping Restrictions - Location: No Restrictions
Tool Type or Function: Bending - General

Reviews

Grade

Bernd K
11/05/2021

Steel spring steel???

I bought this bender a while back but just got around to using it. Well made. Easy to use. The controller works great. The forms are well made. Basically everything about this bender is top notch. EXCEPT the metal spring steel. Really!!! Not stainless??? They have blueing on them but the problem is they rusted with first use and the bluing stained my wood. I didn't use aluminum foil. Used chemical free kraft paper which I have used many times with my homemade ukulele side bender. But for that I have stainless spring steel. I'm going to throw away your steel and buy some stainless ones. For the price of this otherwise very nice bender, I would spend a few dollars more and upgrade to stainless spring steel.

7 out of 7 people found this review useful.