Steam Bending

William Keyser, Jr., says the distinct advantage of steam bending is that the grain of the wood follows the curve, thus eliminating the short-grain problems associated with bandsawn curves. He outlines its shortcomings, too, and tells you how to decide whether to steam-bend or laminate. Keyser explalins how to prepare a steam bath for your stock, how to select wood that bends better than others, how to prepare the stock, and which straps and molds work best. He explains how to bend in one plane, how to learn from failures, and how to perfect bends without a strap. He closes with a few notes on complex curves and how to bend off a corner.

From Fine Woodworking #8