How to Expand Walnut Wood With Steam
When walnut wood is steamed, its particles expand, and the wood becomes more pliable. It can then be bent into various shapes and placed in molds where it will harden and hold its new form. Additionally, steamed walnut wood changes color because the outer sapwood takes on the same color as the inner heartwood. The shades of purple and white present on natural walnut wood fade and become black and brown. Most commercially available walnut has been steamed to change its color, but you may create a steam box for expanding and shaping walnut wood at home.
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Instructions
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Select a PVC pipe large enough to hold the wood you're steaming. Drill a hole in one side of the pipe for attaching the hose. Drill several holes in the cap of the pipe to allow for the release of steam.
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Place the wood you're steaming inside the PVC pipe container.
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Attach the PVC pipe to the tea kettle using the hose. Thread one end of the hose through the hole you drilled in the PVC pipe and the other end over the tea kettle's spout.
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Fill the tea kettle with water and place it on the hot plate.
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Turn on the hot plate. It will boil the water in the kettle and create steam that fills the PVC pipe and is released through the holes drilled in the cap.
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Allow the wood to steam approximately one hour for each inch of thickness. Be sure to monitor the tea kettle and to replenish the water supply when needed.
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Tips & Warnings
A camp stove may be used as a substitute for the hot plate.
Be sure to drill several holes in the PVC pipe's cap. If steam cannot be adequately released, there will be an explosion.
Wear gloves when working on this project. The steam box and wood can become extremely hot. Protect yourself from becoming burned.
References
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
