You can use any one of several methods to bend thin wood for bent-wood boxes. But things get more difficult with thicker material (about 3/32 in.). Recently, I found a way to bend thicker stock using an ordinary clothes iron, eliminating the need for a steambox.

Start by soaking the wood overnight in water. Clamp it to your form, place a wet terry cloth over the wood and, using a clothes iron set on high, iron the wood around the form. The iron will force steam into the wood. Keep the cloth wet, take your time and concentrate on getting the shape right. As you bend the piece around the form, the wash cloth and the iron act as a caul to prevent tearout of the outer fibers.

Gary H. Johnson, Dalton, Ga.

Fine Woodworking Magazine, December 1996 No. 121

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Incra Miter 1000HD

One of many extremely accurate Incra miter gauges, this model offers 180-degree adjustment to 1/10 of a degree, and a long, straight fence with a telescoping stop system.

Buy at Amazon

Woodriver Circle Cutting Jig

The WoodRiver circle jig, which produces cuts up to 32-1/2 in. dia., and I can confidently recommend it. Unlike similar jigs that can pop off of their pivots mid-cut, ruining a panel in the process, this one has a robust pivot point that registers securely in the jig and workpiece.

Buy at Amazon

Double Sided Tape

A thin woven core makes XFasten tape strong yet not too thick (0.008 in.), and helps it hold powerfully without being difficult to peel off.

Buy at Amazon