Has anyone used "Super-Soft 2" veneer softener to bend sides?

[Allen Sandberg]

I discovered this product while researching wood veneer and found info on it at

http://www.veneersupplies.com

. The manufacturer claims "We have heard of good results from luthiers who use the softener to make some species of thin lumber more bendable."

Look at the attached photo. This is the caption that goes with it from the manufacturer:

How soft does it really make the veneer? I took the picture shown here to give you an idea as to how well Super-Soft 2 works. This image shows madrone burl veneer rolled around a pencil. There are no cracks or splits. If I can roll a burl veneer this tight, you can probably imagine the possibilities with complex veneering projects

I've been having a real challenge bending some flame Maple sides and have already cracked one set.

Now I'm wondering if this product might be the answer for bending highly figured wood. Perhaps it could even eliminate the need for heat blankets, bending irons, etc.

Has anyone used this product?

[Michael Hammond]

I use it every time I have something tricky and/or expensive. It works like magic! The thing that amazes me is that after a little time has passed it seems to "go away". It does not appear to have any long term effects, maybe the bending heat neutralizes it !?!?!?

I dunno...

Try it you'll like it!

[Allen Sandberg]

Thanks for the info.

Do you use heating blankets or pipe to bend?

I appreciate all the tips I can get.

[Mark McLean]

I've used it to help bending sides, especially for tighter bends like a cutaway, and on figured wood that wants to snap, not bend.  You spray it on the timber to saturate it, then let it dry.  Then you will then find the wood is more flexible, and this lasts for a day or so.  It would need to be a very thin veneer to become as flexible as that picture, but for a thickness like a guitar side it will make it easier to get a good result on a hot pipe, bending iron or heating blanket.  I have also used it to flatten veneers.  After a couple of days the wood firms up again.  It doesn't leave a stain, and doesn't seem to affect glues or finishes (at least not the ones that I have used - Titebond 1, shelac, oil finishes)

Mark

[Hesh Breakstone]

I've used it and have it handy in the shop.  SSII works very well as mentioned by the others and I use it when I am bending something expensive, figured, and ornery....

I use irons and blankets depending on what I am attempting to convince to change shape.  From experience we often know what's going to be difficult to bend such as "The Tree" highly figured mahogany of which SSII is pretty cheap insurance.

It's no substitute for poor technique, not enough heat, too much heat, not enough moisture, etc but it sure helps achieve a more comfortable margin for error when cracking a side will ruin your day.