Steam Bending Notes

Steam bending is a technique used on woods in order for them to change shape. During the process strips of wood/timber are steam heated using a steam box.  A steam box is a long sealed container which is where all of the steam bending process takes place. Then the heat and mositure makes the wood more flexible which allows the timbers shape to be changed. However during the process the shape has to be held by a mould so that is doesn't have chance to change back to its original shape.


Steam bending is relatively cheap, effective and quick however there is a disadvantage that the wood can only bend to a certain degree. Which can be a pain depending on the purpose that you want to use the wood for.

This is a image showing a steam box

 

This is showing a steam bending jig