bending strap

I noticed on StewMac site an article about bending wood using a hot copper pipe heated with a torch. They mention using a stainless steel strap for something. What's that for? where would you get it if it is neccassary?

Some people use the strap for extra support on the wood while bending. I don't use one...never felt I needed it. Some people love them. Maybe give bending a try on some scrap pieces before you buy
LMI sells them

Ace guitar maker Linda Manzer bends on a pipe with a backing strap, and she's good...really good at it. I saw her do a demo at a guitar festival, and I was really impressed. Good especially for tight bends. I think you could also make a custom backing strap with a small heating blanket built in. Might be a bit scary but it would work really well.

When I bend anything on a pipe I use a piece of aluminium flashing cut about 1' long and about 3" wide for a backing to the wood. Works especially good of highly figured woods that will snap easily if unsupported.