On Sun, 13 Jan 2019 19:57:01 -0500, Bill wrote:

Clare Snyder wrote:

Bodge up a roll former. 2 fiixed rollers and a moveable one that you
just run the material back and forth through, tightening the moveable
roller as you go untill you get the radius you need.


I thought of trying that. Wood rollers okay? If I make them like
"spools" of the right width, I might even end up with concentric
rings that lay flat. I bought enough material (soft steel) to
allow me at least one mistake, and of course, I can always buy
more. I already have the Oak hoop and the calf skin. Any
difference between the suitability of soft maple versus hard
maple for the neck? I suppose, besides work-ability, the main
issue is the resistance to any twisting and turning. More than 10
years ago, when I started this project, increasingly aware of how
little I knew about woodworking, I was better-versed in the
details. That's when I switched from reading rec.banjomaking to
rec.woodworking. The former may not be very active anymore.
I can think up projects for myself faster than I can do them...
When I started, I didn't even have a house with a yard to mow!
This spring, I'm planning to powerwash and restain the
deck--hopefully, that's only "two weekends" : )

Bill


A set of ball bearings will work better. I've seen it done with a
vice. Bolt a plate with 2 bearings to one jaw, and 1 bearing to the
other jaw. Bearings running horizontally - You could use hardwood
blocks - 2X2 oak for instance, with bearings bolted through one
way,and jaw-bolts the other direction. Pull the metal through,
crankthe vise 1/4 turn orwhatever, and pull through again - repeat
untill you have your hoop.