Problems Steam Bending Thin Wood

[John Goodin]

For the record, all my ideas have been previously thought by someone else.

[Ira Matheny]

Some years ago, I was bending KD white oak. To do so successfully, I soak the wood in a solution of water and Downey fabric softener for about one week, then steaming for 1.2 hours. Was very successfull, bending 7 out of 8 pieces of 1.25"x 1.25" to a radius of 2".

[Julie Moriarty]

For the record, all my ideas have been previously thought by someone else.

I hear you! The only unique things I've come up with is how to screw up.

[Charles Lent]

Your choice of wood strips will make a big difference in your success too. Be careful to only use strips with the wood grain perfectly straight in the strip. If the grain is at an angle it will likely break where the grain exits the wood. This is much more important when attempting to steam bend thicker woods and less important as the strip approaches veneer thickness. I always soak my strips for several hours before steaming them and work quickly when putting them into the form to keep them from cooling and drying before being shaped. I don't do much steam bending, but this has worked best for me.

Charley