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Steam bending apparatus

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Bruce M:
I have been steam bending using a roasting pan on top of my coal stove, the stove will be cut off in coming month or so and I want to continue learning how to make these bows in the warmer months.

I bought a wallpaper steamer 15 or so years ago and it's works perfectly. I have on hand some of the green 6" drainage PVC and also some 3" electrical PVC but it's not as thick walled as the drainage pipe is, I think that would probably not withstand the heat.

I'm curious what the benefits, or detractions there would be for making the hot box full length of the bow vs making it 1/2 length and would there be any issues with steaming the handle. Also if anyone has better materials or designs of a hot box I'd be all ears.

thanks.

Muskyman:
I use a 4 inch aluminum downspout with my steamer and do 1/2 of the bow at a time. I don’t do the handle if it’s glued on. I do 1/2 at a time so I’m not rushed. I also pre-plan every bend. If I’m straightening in the handle area only I have a shorter piece of downspout I’ll plug the ends with rags. I also put holes in the bottom of my downspout to let water escape. I steam the handle area for about an hour and limb’s for about 45 minutes.

superdav95:
Ya I do much like MuskyMan.   I just used a old 4-5’ long section of 4” diameter abs pipe plugged at one end with rags like mike said.  Steam is great as it cannot overheat your bow wood.  It gets to a set temp and does not accumulate heat.  It’s the safest way to bend and make corrections.  For tips with more recurve I’ll use a steel strip backing incorporated into my bending set up to prevent lifts of grain.  This can mostly be avoided if belly has been left to a single growth ring. 

Bruce M:
Thank you both for that information. I really like the downspout idea, I have some of that styro-insulation board that I can wrap the downspout in to keep the heat a little better.
I was thinking of some sort of flat steel that I can bend to a recurve shape just for that reason you describe, I tried a recurve but it failed miserably.
I am using shellbark hickory for now until I can get more consistent/predictable with my builds, Thanks again guys.

Muskyman:
Don’t have to worry about keeping the heat in Bruce  in a couple minutes after putting the hose from your steamer in the downspout it really hot to the touch. I just plug the ends up and let it steam for about 45 minutes. Just have to figure out where you’re going to bend it prior to taking it out and go to work after you take it out   Videos all over the place online if you’re inclined to watch them. I was amazed at what I did when I got my steamer. Never had much luck with the heat gun myself. Always over or under heating everything. Some on here are magical with it but not me.

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