How to Steam Bend Wood

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of steam bending wood, a technique used to create beautiful curves for woodworking projects such as frames. By following these steps, you will learn how to construct a steam box, create a bending form, and successfully bend wood using steam.

Step 1: Build the Steam Box

1. Choose Materials

   • Use plywood, solid wood, or PVC pipe to create your steam box.

2. Cut Parts for the Box

   • Cut the plywood or chosen material into appropriate dimensions for your steam chamber.

3. Create Internal Shelf

   • Cut dowels to serve as an internal shelf, keeping wood off the bottom of the steam chamber.

4. Drill Holes for Thermometers

   • Drill holes in the top of the steam chamber for two thermometers to monitor temperature.

5. Assemble the Steam Box

   • Use screws to assemble the box. Remember, it doesn’t need to be perfect as steam chambers are expendable.

6. Insert Dowels and Secure

   • Insert the dowels into the holes and secure them with CA glue. Trim any excess dowels flush with the chamber.

Step 2: Create the Bending Form

1. Design the Form

   • Draw a three-quarter circle on a square piece of MDF to create a bending form.

2. Cut the Form

   • Use a circle cutting guide on a router for precision. Take shallow passes, about a quarter inch at a time.

3. Drill Holes for Clamps

   • Use a Forstner bit to drill holes in the bending form for clamp heads.

Step 3: Prepare the Wood

1. Cut the Wood Strips

   • Use a track saw for straight cuts along the grain of your quartersawn lumber. Cut strips on a table saw after establishing a straight line.

2. Attach the Bending Form

   • Use glue and screws to attach the bending form to a sheet of MDF. Make sure it is secure.

3. Install Anchor Blocks

   • Attach wood blocks to anchor the wood strip in place on the bending form.

Step 4: Steam the Wood

1. Prepare the Steam Chamber

   • Attach a door to the steam chamber and drill a hole for the steam generator hose.

2. Heat the Steam Chamber

   • Turn on the steam generator and wait for the temperature inside the chamber to rise.

3. Steam the Wood

   • Place the wood in the steam chamber for just under two hours. For kiln-dried lumber, use a rule of thumb of one hour per inch of thickness, doubling that time for extra assurance.

Step 5: Bend the Wood

1. Move Quickly

   • Once the wood is steamed, you have about two minutes to place it in the bending form and clamp it down to prevent the lignans from cooling.

2. Clamp the Wood

   • Use clamps to secure the wood around the bending form. Having help can make this process easier.

3. Let It Cool

   • Leave the wood in the form for 24 hours to cool and take its new shape.

Step 6: Finish the Project

1. Trim and Profile

   • After removing the wood from the form, profile the edges using router bits or sand down to your desired finish.

2. Stain and Seal

   • Apply a homemade iron oxide wood stain for a dark finish and top coat with shellac.

3. Attach the Mirror

   • If applicable, glue the mirror to the frame and secure it with construction adhesive.

Conclusion

Steam bending wood is a timeless technique that can greatly enhance your woodworking projects. By following these steps, you can create beautifully curved pieces for a variety of applications. For further tips and project ideas, explore additional resources on woodworking at Family Handyman.