glycerin for bending wood

[mike johnston]

Ive read that adding glycerin to hot water will help in the softening of wood for bending. but cannot find the amount per gallon. I'm going to make some shaker boxes.

thanks mike

[russell lusthaus]

Dont know about Glycerin, but I have found good results by adding a dryer non static cling sheet to the steam water for better bending.

Russ

[Doug Garson]

Here's a thread suggesting Downy fabric softener for steam bending. https://sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?184103-Steam-bending-question

[John C Cox]

The stuff you want to use is a veneer softener called "Super soft II".

It's made specifcally for veneers and woodwork - and it will not interfere with glues or finishes.
Laundry fabric softener is not the same thing.

[Steve Rozmiarek]

The stuff you want to use is a veneer softener called "Super soft II".

It's made specifcally for veneers and woodwork - and it will not interfere with glues or finishes.
Laundry fabric softener is not the same thing.

it's good stuff, +1

[Michelle Rich]

I have made 100's of shaker boxes..never used anything but hot water. the thickness of the bands makes them very pliable once heated.

[John C Cox]

That's very true.

Implicit in making the boxes is the correct selection of both type wood and the cut of the wood.

The wood must be clear of knots and very straight grained. It also needs to have as little runout as possiblez.

For example - you likely won't need any sort of additives to bend wood like willow, ash, oak, poplar, cherry, birch, and soft maple.... All you need is thin + hot + wet.

Tropical/exotic hardwoods like mahogany and bubinga are another story... As some of that stuff is ridiculously cranky to bend even on a good day....

Making the first one.... Get some clear, straight grained willow... You willl wonder what all the fuss is all about.