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Steam bending is a method used in woodworking where wood is heated with steam until it it becomes pliable enough to be bent into a desired shape.
Process[edit]
The traditional method of steam bending starts with loading wood into an enclosure called a steam box. Boxes are typically constructed of wood, metal, pvc or insulation material. Hot steam is directed into the box from an external steam source such as a boiler.
The length of time required to steam wood depends on the thickness and species of wood. A popular rule of thumb is to steam wood for 1 hour for each inch of thickness.
After steaming, the wood is removed from the steam box and quickly bent by hand or bent upon a mold into a desired shape. When the wood cools, it closely retains it's new shape.
Applications[edit]
It has applications in woodworking such as furniture making, tool making and wooden boat building.
History[edit]
Technical[edit]
Steam Bending works by softening lignin, the natural polymer binder in wood, through a process called plasticization.
Limitations[edit]
Steam bending is limited in the degree of bend it can achieve, particularly for thick members. Also, not all species of wood steam bend well.[citation needed] It weakens the wood slightly and can leave residual stresses which may cause breakage or spring-back over time.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
Category:Woodworking techniques
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