Replies

1. 
   FastEddie1 | Jan 15, 2003 03:15am | #1

   Would you consider ripping it into 1/8-3/16" layers and re-glueing?

2. 
   kennedy136 | Jan 15, 2003 03:34am | #2

   LEE,

           Steaming would be best unless you don't mind gluelines in which case you can rip it down into strips and laminate it on a form.  How tight is your radius?  That will make a difference in how pliable it has to be.  Either way you must allow for springback.  This is the tendency for the wood to want to return to it's original shape. The tighter the radius the more springback.  Also if you decide to steam you need to get the wood bent in 45 seconds or so as it rapidly loses its pliablility after that.  Pays to have some extra hands here.

                                                               Mark

1. 
   leemercer | Jan 15, 2003 04:10am | #3

   Thanks guys.  It is not a very big radius.  I need to make a gothic style mirror so the actual bend would be around 22 to 30 degress.

3. 
   don26299 | Jan 17, 2003 05:41am | #4

   >>What is the best way to bend 1 1/2" wide by 3/4" oak.  Putting in a piece of pipe and steaming it.                                                                                                    

   EPOXYWORKS Number 20 Fall 2002 page 3 has  info on this.  It shows a portable steam tube made from PVC tubing, steam being provided from a gas can over a coleman 1500 btu propane burner.  They are a responsive business for info.  http://www.westsystem.com

   When we steamed our board we took it from the metal duct over hot plate/watercan  (can't remember how long, there are formulas) and put it on a jig for a week.  Then we used the router, stained, varnished.  Have wedges ready for jigging.   It took more time than it was worth, but came out good.