Introduction: How to Steam Bend Wood

About: Artist and maker.

First of all add hot water to the wallpaper steamer. Two pieces of wood for bending are already inserted into the chamber of the steamer. They are made to raise from the base and each other by placing a few small pieces off wood between them. The steamer is connected to the chamber and turned on. You will need an hour of steaming per 2.5 cm of thickness. I am steaming two pieces of one meter long pine, which are 1 by 4 cm thick. I would estimate about 60 to 70 minutes. The chamber is sealed quite tightly however the steam does condense into water within it. By turning the the chamber towards the ground, the pressure from the steamer will force any water out. When your time has passed, in a quick and smooth action, open your chamber and place the wood on the former carefully bending it into shape. Make sure to wear leather builders gloves as the steam is hot!