Answer this about lithos, please.

[Mugsowner]

I heard there are sheets of pvc. I was going to look into that, but time keeps me running other ways. Round pvc pipe can be heated and flatened.

[James RS]

Hello,
I have done a few lithos using Sabian cutting boards I purchased at the big box store

Actually, this is a two-part question that I have.

1). Here, in Amherst, NY, I have not been able to locate any outlets for lithograph carving materials. As far as online sources are concerned, what would the opinions be on some of the best places to purchase from?

2). I have, on occasion, seen some lithos which an arc to them - and of which I thought were really nice. There's nothing wrong, at all, with lithos which rest in a straight groove running across a length of wood, and I will certainly be doing a fair number of those. But I would also love to be able to fashion a litho which would sit nicely, and perfectly within a dado which would arc across a wood footing that bore the same shape. How are those carvers (who are doing this kind of work) going about the process of getting the material pliable enough to bend, without cracking, and how are you assuring yourselves that you are meeting the exact curvature of the dado?

Advanced thanks,

Nathan

[CarverJerry]

I have done a few curved litho's as myshop1044 said. Did use a bucket, heated it @ 350° for 10-15 mins and used a 5 gallon bucket to get the curve I wanted. Here is my first one I did like this. Be careful and work fast, use hand protection such as welding gloves. Oh yeah, and this is heated and bent after the litho has been carved.

[NLAlston]

I have done a few curved litho's as myshop1044 said. Did use a bucket, heated it @ 350° for 10-15 mins and used a 5 gallon bucket to get the curve I wanted. Here is my first one I did like this. Be careful and work fast, use hand protection such as welding gloves. Oh yeah, and this is heated and bent after the litho has been carved.

Now, THAT (what you've attached) is EXACTLY what I'm talking about . Very, very nice. I am looking to do something quite similar. Thanks for sharing.