How to Bend Wood with Steam (DIY)
Introduction
Steam bending has long been employed to build boats, ships and wagons, even toboggans and snowshoes. A time-honored method of manipulating wood, steam bending will be a fun and rewarding addition to your woodworking skill set.
To begin your wood-bending experience, you’ll need a few basic items: an inexpensive steam generator, an easy-to-make plywood box and medium density fiberboard (MDF) to make a form. Bending wood takes patience and practice; a simple round mirror frame is the perfect place to start.
Meet the Expert
Project editor Jay Cork has taught classes on bending wood with steam. Truly, no one is more full of hot air.
How Does Wood Bend?
Some wood species — ash or oak, even cherry or walnut — can be bent by softening their lignin with heat. Think of lignin as the glue holding the wood fibers together. As the lignin and fibers are heated, they become pliable for a short time and the wood can be bent around a form.
Air-Dried is Best, But …
It’s a common misconception that only air-dried lumber bends well. I have found this to be only partly true. Kiln-dried lumber has a bad reputation because during the drying process, the lignin cooks and becomes stiff. If this happens, no amount of heat will bring it back.
Despite this risk, I’ve found kiln-dried wood can indeed be bent if it’s steamed for a longer period.
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