Steam Forming Wood

[DafyddElvy]

I have a fair bit of wood to form to a curve and I've been thinking about ways to do it, I have been told if I damage another kettle I'll be in bother or worse, then I thought, ah wall paper stripper but its a wee bitty too big, ah ha a general household steamer cleaning thingy might do the trick.

Has anyone else built themselves a small wood steamer, or have any suggestions on a steam device that would give sufficient steam to form 5mm x 8mm < 8mm x 35mm ish bass wood, thanks?

 

[dunnyrail]

I have a fair bit of wood to form to a curve and I've been thinking about ways to do it, I have been told if I damage another kettle I'll be in bother or worse, then I thought, ah wall paper stripper but its a wee bitty too big, ah ha a general household steamer cleaning thingy might do the trick.

Has anyone else built themselves a small wood steamer, or have any suggestions on a steam device that would give sufficient steam to form 5mm x 8mm < 8mm x 35mm ish bass wood, thanks?

Does the wallpaper not have a fine point attachment?

 

[a98087]

Could you build/acquire a box using dirt (do this outside) carpet what ever you can get and use that as a makeshift steam chamber?

Or bit of water in an old metal box or ammo tin,
Put some water in- about 1/2 inch or so
Supports to keep the wood out the water

light a fire under neath, and hopefully the water will boil and steam the wood

I’ve never tried this, but that’s what I would try

Dan

 

[Gtarling]

I used a small household steam cleaner, piped into a PVC plumbing tube that was plugged at both ends to steam some hardwood parts for a model aircraft a few years ago - worked well. Points to note - ensure the tube has a drainhole or two at its lowest end - the wood bends easiest when it's hot, so you have to be quick once you remove it from the steamer. A simpler alternative that has worked for me in the past is to soak the wood in hot water for a few hours.

 

[PhilP]

Only ever done it 'Gibbs-style' (a clinker-built hull).. Some serious steam was needed!

PhilP

 

[playmofire]

I used a small household steam cleaner, piped into a PVC plumbing tube that was plugged at both ends to steam some hardwood parts for a model aircraft a few years ago - worked well. Points to note - ensure the tube has a drainhole or two at its lowest end - the wood bends easiest when it's hot, so you have to be quick once you remove it from the steamer. A simpler alternative that has worked for me in the past is to soak the wood in hot water for a few hours.

Yes, I tried the hot water soaking with some ply for a viaduct and it worked OK.

 

[DafyddElvy]

Well here's mk1, wife was distracted so I managed to get the use of the kettle.
The wood went in to the boiling kettle, once pliable I sandwiched it between the two formers made earlier it works.

Even if it forms the wood to an even curve it'll be a success, just slow going with only one former.

 

[Paul M]

Yes, I tried the hot water soaking with some ply for a viaduct and it worked OK.

If you're bending ply, apparently putting in the microwave for a few minutes works. The glue melts and then resets when the wood is where you want it. Don't let the Missus know though

 

[DafyddElvy]

As a first attempt I am calling this a success in shaping the wood to a curve, and a failure in my ability to have patience and let it dry before taking said piece of wood out of the formers, hence the flat section.

 

[Paul M]

Like everything else, practice and patience is all