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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: monterey on April 06, 2016, 01:55:00 PM

Title: Steam bending wood
Post by: monterey on April 06, 2016, 01:55:00 PM

Before I get started, let me first say that I'm not planning on bending bow limbs.

I want to make some wood pressure strips for my new ASL rubber band form.  I'm thinking that in order to get a good fit running up the ramps that I should steam bend them to fit the riser shape (typical hill style riser).

So, what is a good choice of wood that will bend well and retain it's shape pretty well when bent with steam?

Title: Re: Steam bending wood
Post by: Roy from Pa on April 06, 2016, 02:26:00 PM

Osage comes to my mind. But if you make the form right..  Well, never mind....   :)

Title: Re: Steam bending wood
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on April 06, 2016, 02:56:00 PM

How thick of a strip are you needing? The right wood and the right cut of lumber will bend and form like a metal strap would, without breaking and without pre-shaping.

Title: Re: Steam bending wood
Post by: Roy from Pa on April 06, 2016, 02:59:00 PM

Aluminum straps ring a bell?

Title: Re: Steam bending wood
Post by: monterey on April 06, 2016, 03:19:00 PM

Not thinking straps, but rather strips that run from the tips of the form the full length and then are steam bent to follow up the ramps of the fades. They can be thinner somewhat in the  bend area but I want to maintain about 1/4" to 3/8" minimum thickness and they will have a crown to maintain even pressure.

Title: Re: Steam bending wood
Post by: fujimo on April 06, 2016, 03:41:00 PM

i did something similar Mike- but just laminated some thin lams together. i guess, put a finished bow on the form, some saran wrap, and then 4 thin lams or so, all glued up. and then wrap with the elastics- might even put extra layers on the back so that a crown can be achieved on the back, with a little trim up sanding!.

Title: Re: Steam bending wood
Post by: wood carver 2 on April 06, 2016, 04:54:00 PM

I remember reading a magazine article where they were steam bending 5 inch thick osage planks to bend around a ships hull. The boards looked like wet noodles when they were pulled out of the steam box.
I think it would work for your application too.
Dave.

Title: Re: Steam bending wood
Post by: Roy from Pa on April 06, 2016, 06:26:00 PM

I thought I knew about what ya was yappen about, then ya lost me, so I'm not sure if it's me or if it's you, Monty.. LOL     :)

Title: Re: Steam bending wood
Post by: monterey on April 06, 2016, 10:12:00 PM

Oh, it's you, Roy!  Always You.   :biglaugh:

Title: Re: Steam bending wood
Post by: mikkekeswick on April 07, 2016, 01:48:00 AM

Out of the common woods maple will work really well.

Title: Re: Steam bending wood
Post by: monterey on April 07, 2016, 01:35:00 PM

OK, maple it will be.

Title: Re: Steam bending wood
Post by: Roy from Pa on April 07, 2016, 02:27:00 PM

Ya want to use hard maple...

Title: Re: Steam bending wood
Post by: monterey on April 07, 2016, 04:43:00 PM

Ya, the hard stuff.  That oughta hold those poplar lams down.   :)

Title: Re: Steam bending wood
Post by: passion for knowledge on April 07, 2016, 10:58:00 PM

Red oak bends well with steam.

A rough rule of thumb for timing is 1 hour per 1 inch thick.

Steam bent wood can tend to spring back a bit when it's removed from the form. Something to be mindful of.

Title: Re: Steam bending wood
Post by: monterey on April 08, 2016, 12:46:00 PM

Thanks all.  I appreciate the excellent advice!