How To Steam Bend Wooden Spoons and Spatulas

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of steam bending wooden spoons and spatulas, perfect for green woodworking enthusiasts. By following these steps, you can create beautifully shaped utensils using steam—a technique that enhances the wood's flexibility and allows for intricate designs.

Step 1: Gather Your Equipment

Before you start bending wood, ensure you have the following tools and materials:

• Steam Box: A box to hold the wood and steam while it bends. You can create your own from plywood, ensuring there are small gaps for steam to escape.
• Steam Generator: This can be a commercial unit or a simple pot with boiling water. A rice cooker with a steaming tray works well too.
• Clamps: One for each form you will use to hold the bent wood in shape.
• Thermometer: To check the steam temperature inside the box.
• Protective Gear: Oven mitts or gloves for handling hot wood.
• Wood: Use straight-grained green hardwoods like cherry, oak, or hickory, cut to about 0.5 inches (12 mm) thick.

Step 2: Prepare Your Wood

• Select Your Billets: Choose straight-grained wood that has a high moisture content.
• Cut to Size: Ensure your wood is cut to approximately 0.5 inches thick. It's wise to prepare a few extra pieces in case of failures during bending.
• Mark Your Template: Draw a template on the wood to indicate the orientation you want during bending.

Step 3: Set Up the Steaming Process

• Fill the Generator: Add water to your steam generator and attach it to the steam box.
• Prepare the Box: Make sure the box is positioned to prevent water from pooling underneath due to leaks.
• Arrange the Wood: Place the billets inside the steam box with air gaps between each piece to allow steam circulation.
• Steam the Wood: The general rule is to steam for one hour per inch of thickness. For 0.5-inch wood, steam for about 30 minutes.

Step 4: Bending the Wood

• Remove the Wood: Carefully extract the steamed wood from the box using protective gear.
• Begin Bending: Quickly place the wood onto the forms and start bending it. Apply even pressure without sudden movements.
• Clamp the Wood: Secure the wood in place with clamps, ensuring it's held tightly to the form.

Step 5: Allow to Cool

• Cooling Time: Let the bent wood cool overnight. This step is crucial for it to retain its shape.
• Prepare for Carving: Once cooled, the bent wood is ready for carving into spatulas or spoons.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Broken Fibers: If outside fibers break, you can carve them away. If too many fibers snap, you may have under-steamed the wood.
• Compression Failures: If the wood folds instead of bends smoothly, it might be due to over-steaming or using a form with too tight of a curve. Minor folds can sometimes be carved away, but keep in mind the fibers will be weaker.

Conclusion

Steam bending is a rewarding technique that can enhance your woodworking projects. By following these steps, you can create beautiful wooden utensils. Remember to practice patience and adjust your technique based on your results. With time, you’ll refine your skills in steam bending and enjoy the creative process even more. Happy woodworking!