How to Build a Steam Box

A steam box is used to steam planks of wood making them easier to bend. It was originally designed to bend large boat timbers. The timbers were put in the steam box for a period of time then brought out and bent on a bending jig until they had the desired curve. Follow these steps to build a steam box.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Build a wooden box. It should be seven feet in length, a foot wide and a foot in height. Don't use press board to build the steam box as it will warp.
2. Lay a copper pipe inside the box on the bottom. The copper pipe should be covered with perforations to allow steam to escape.
3. Drill a hole in the bottom of the box. Attach a "T" junction in the middle of the copper pipe that exits the box through the hole. It needs to fit in the hole snugly to prevent steam from escaping.
4. Secure a flexible PVC hose to the "T" junction. Connect the other end of the hose to the source of steam. You can use a wallpaper steamer or an electric kettle. There are a variety of steam sources you can use.
5. Put squares of wood in the box where you will lay the plank for steaming. It shouldn't lie in the bottom of the steam box as the steam needs to get underneath it.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful when using kettles to create steam. They must be attended to constantly in the event that they run out of water and burn.

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