How to Build a Wood Steamer for Bending
Most woodworkers spend a large portion of their time making boards as flat and straight as possible. Some applications, like boat building or instrument making require the craftsman to take a flat, straight board and bend it into seemingly impossible shapes. Slowly forcing a board onto a frame or mold and securing it with screws or clamps can produce a gentle curve. More aggressive shaping requires steam power. Building a wood steamer is easy. Successfully bending wood without having it split requires patience and practice. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 10-foot section of six-inch, schedule 40 PVC pipe
- PVC cleaning solvent
- PVC glue
- End cap for six-inch pipe
- Sawhorse
- Wood plank, up to eight feet long, between 3 and 5-1/2 inches wide
- Concrete block
- Steam source, such as an electric kettle or wallpaper steamer
Instructions
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1
Clean the last two inches of one end of the PVC pipe with cleaning solvent.
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2
Clean the inside lip of the end cap with solvent.
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3
Spread a coat of PVC glue on the inside of the end cap’s lip.
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4
Press end cap firmly in position on the end of the pipe.
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5
Rest the capped end of the pipe on top of the sawhorse’s cross member.
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6
Slide the board you want to bend into the pipe. Leave at least 18 inches between the end of the board and the pipe’s end cap.
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7
Place the uncapped end of the pipe on top of the concrete block.
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8
Place the steam source at the uncapped end of the pipe. Direct the flow of steam under the bottom side of the board. The steam will rise to the end of the pipe and flow over the top of the board as the pipe fills.
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Tips & Warnings
Any source of steam will work with this box. An electric kettle will need to be refilled several times while steaming a single piece of wood. A wallpaper or drapery steamer works well and usually has a larger tank.
If you use this steam box inside the shop, place a container underneath the opening on the lower end of the pipe to catch the condensation.
Always allow at least 18 inches between the end of the plank and the tube’s end cap. If your planks will be longer than eight feet, add another piece of PVC to lengthen the steam box.
Steam is hot. Wear insulated gloves when removing the plank from the steam box and while bending.
References
- Photo Credit George Doyle/Stockbyte/Getty Images
