STEAM BENDING

• Most woods can be steam bent including laminates like plywood. The process involves moistening the timber in a steam check to a point where the material is more pliable.
• Care should be taken when working with plywood's though since prolonged immersion in the steam check may de-laminate the material.
• The wood material is then help in shape around a former until dried after which it will retain the shape.
• This technique can be used on a small scale to produce items of wooden jewellery and on a larger scale for producing ribs in a traditionally made boat hull.