I recently bent the sides in my high-tech side bending machine. I made it out of some MDF and sheet metal. Inside I wired up two 300 watt light bulbs. It does a good job. I add in the cut away, which makes it a little tougher to bend the upper bought. Rosewood is much tougher to bend than mahogany. I have a few splits in the waist section. Nothing a few shots high viscosity glue couldn't handle.
I added my numbering system to the neck heel and lacquered it. The back and brace were next. This a rewarding part. Once I get the tone braces on the top I can tune it by removing the brace till I get to the right tap tone. It really makes me feel like a luthier.
The top of this guitar is going to be spray lacquer black with a masked pattern in it. I am making a video showing my technique. I will try to have it up soon. Keep and out for it.