Need hints on bending burner ribbons

[Bldtrailer]

I just got my first feather burner and before I screw     up I wanted some advise on shapeing the ribbon to shield cut. and any other burner advise(other than     the smell)

[Jake Fr]

Take a feather and trace it on cardboard and cut it out an the bend it to match it or draw your desired shap out and cut it out and bend to shape

[lpcjon2]

First you can mark the shape on a piece of wood and then tap a nail inthe wood at each bend the ribbon will take,and use them as a guide to hold against and bendthe ribbon. Measure from the middle of the feather and mark it with pen and line up the middke of the ribbon onthat and then start bending. And let the ribbon heat back up before you burn each feather, and a light scrape of a knife will clean up the ribbon.Go slow when rotating the feathers through.

[Fletcher]

Using a template helps a lot, but understand that the wire will expand some when it gets hot, esp in length.  You will also want to allow for that when you adjust the wire to the shaft; start out a bit and work your way closer.  YOu will quickly find the right speed to turn the feathers through.  Too fast and it will push the wire and not burn evenly; too slow and you can burn the feather, quill and shaft.

[donw]

the template is a good idea.

don't leave the burner "ON" for long...the wire WILL sag from the heat.

use some old feathers remnants and experiment at how long to take to burn...

be prepared to be screamed at by the wife about "WHAT IS THAT SMELL???"

[dino]

3Rivers has burner ribbon temples that work really good for matching trueflight feather shapes and getting the right bend the first time.  For unique shapes I cut a cardboard pattern to bend the ribbon around.