Author Topic: Steam Bending White Oak  (Read 11762 times)

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bowkee

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Steam Bending White Oak
« on: February 28, 2010, 06:41:31 pm »
Just started a White Oak Bow at 66" NTN Would Like to Bend a little reflex into the outer.
The wood seems brittle, not sure if heat bending is the answer. So since oak is so porous would steam bending do?

Offline El Destructo

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Re: Steam Bending White Oak
« Reply #1 on: February 28, 2010, 06:56:13 pm »
Is this a Board or a Stave??
As a species we're fundamentally insane. Put more than two of us in a room, we pick sides and start dreaming up ways to kill one another.Why do you think we invented politics and religion.
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bowkee

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Re: Steam Bending White Oak
« Reply #2 on: February 28, 2010, 08:20:51 pm »
1" Board , woods a bit dark so I think it's sap wood.

Offline bryan irwin

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Re: Steam Bending White Oak
« Reply #3 on: February 28, 2010, 09:43:50 pm »
i think steam will work i just steam bent a red oak board im working on a 72"elb worksd fine.
bryan irwin

Offline El Destructo

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Re: Steam Bending White Oak
« Reply #4 on: February 28, 2010, 10:37:38 pm »
Yeah...Steam...or Boil it....but remember that this will dry the Wood out...and you will have to let it acclimate after it is bent t regain Moisture again....
As a species we're fundamentally insane. Put more than two of us in a room, we pick sides and start dreaming up ways to kill one another.Why do you think we invented politics and religion.
Think HEALTHCARE Is Expensive Now,Wait Till It's FREE
Do Or Do Not,There Is No TRY
2024...We Will Overcome

Offline Josh

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Re: Steam Bending White Oak
« Reply #5 on: March 01, 2010, 12:21:31 am »
I steam bent this red oak board... It was less than half an inch thick though...





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bowkee

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Re: Steam Bending White Oak
« Reply #6 on: March 01, 2010, 02:59:07 am »
Thanks Folks, I will update the results, So used to Hickory and maple wood fibers, did break test on smaller pieces of the oak and got cross grain fractures instead of longer spike fractures as with Hickory and Maple.

bowkee

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Re: Steam Bending White Oak
« Reply #7 on: March 03, 2010, 02:10:21 am »
well I gotter bent and applied some Hemp sack Backing with TB3 Glue.

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« Last Edit: March 03, 2010, 02:24:42 am by bowkee »

Offline Hillbilly

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Re: Steam Bending White Oak
« Reply #8 on: March 03, 2010, 12:39:01 pm »
That's odd that you're having trouble bending it, white oak is usually one of the most flexible woods out there. You can split it down thin and literally tie it in a knot. For example, I made this out of split white oak:



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Offline Pat B

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Re: Steam Bending White Oak
« Reply #9 on: March 03, 2010, 12:53:46 pm »
How does it shoot, Steve?  ;D  ::)  Nice tater basket Steve. I've been working on some basket quivers lately.
  I would think white oak would bend easily too but I haven't tried it.
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

Offline Christophero

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Re: Steam Bending White Oak
« Reply #10 on: March 03, 2010, 01:58:23 pm »
I notice that he did bend it but he was only inducing reflex and not a recureve. 
Yes, I agree with you that oak bend well with steam.  I've set back a handle of white oak, and thought thick, it clamps into a nice curve without too much effort. 
BTW, Josh, those are good looking "Billits" you have recurved there. 

bowkee

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Re: Steam Bending White Oak
« Reply #11 on: March 03, 2010, 05:19:14 pm »
Hillbilly, Excellent basket.
I got the tips bent ok just not sure of this species of Oak, it's kiln dried.
Show ya when it's finished.

bowkee

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Offline Josh

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Re: Steam Bending White Oak
« Reply #13 on: March 05, 2010, 11:35:52 am »
cool bow man!  How does it shoot?   :)  That was a great idea with the video I am gonna have to try that..
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Offline Bonsai

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Re: Steam Bending White Oak
« Reply #14 on: March 05, 2010, 05:34:30 pm »
cool Bow