Steam Bending the Sheer Clamps
Posted: Thu Jul 06, 2023 7:59 am
Due to the bend required for the sheer clamps and the timber I'm using (Queensland Hoop Pine) which for a softwood is quite dense and heavy I thought I would set up a steaming station.
I previously found the Queensland Hoop Pine does tend to split when pulled into a bend.
I set up a steaming system using the plastic tubing from an old garden blower and an electric jug.
The pipe had a ninety degree turn at the top end which was perfect to flow the steam into the pipe. I inserted the sheer clamp into the pipe which I placed on sawhorses and angled it so the water would run into a bucket. After some trials I tweaked the system by insulating the plastic pipe by wrapping it with towels and swapped the electric kettle for a saucepan on top of a gas camping stove.
After 30 mins in the steaming station I removed the timber and clamped in place overnight. The next day I removed the timber, and it maintained a nice curve......success.
I have documented the complete process with pics on my blog (July 2023 Post) .... check it out.
Cheers Terry from down under
https://hookypocketship.blogspot.com
I previously found the Queensland Hoop Pine does tend to split when pulled into a bend.
I set up a steaming system using the plastic tubing from an old garden blower and an electric jug.
The pipe had a ninety degree turn at the top end which was perfect to flow the steam into the pipe. I inserted the sheer clamp into the pipe which I placed on sawhorses and angled it so the water would run into a bucket. After some trials I tweaked the system by insulating the plastic pipe by wrapping it with towels and swapped the electric kettle for a saucepan on top of a gas camping stove.
After 30 mins in the steaming station I removed the timber and clamped in place overnight. The next day I removed the timber, and it maintained a nice curve......success.
I have documented the complete process with pics on my blog (July 2023 Post) .... check it out.
Cheers Terry from down under
https://hookypocketship.blogspot.com