Author Topic: Over steaming???  (Read 2082 times)

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Offline Jakesnyder

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Over steaming???
« on: November 30, 2019, 03:31:59 pm »
Is it possible to over steam a piece of wood? Could it do irriversable damage to it?

Offline DC

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Re: Over steaming???
« Reply #1 on: November 30, 2019, 03:39:51 pm »
I've read that over steaming can cause the inside of the bend to buckle but I've never had a problem with oversteaming. That said I never steam longer than an hour because that's when my steamer runs out of water. I have steamed 3/8" pieces for 40 min which would be about twice the 45 min for 3/4" recommendation. No problems. Most stuff you read is for tight bends for furniture. Most of the bending we do, other than sharp recurves, are fairly mild bends and I don't believe they are a problem.

Offline Del the cat

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Re: Over steaming???
« Reply #2 on: November 30, 2019, 03:57:42 pm »
I don't think you are likely to over steam timber in any reasonable practical situation... But presumably after 100 years, it will be degrading :o ::) ;D
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Offline PatM

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Re: Over steaming???
« Reply #3 on: November 30, 2019, 04:52:42 pm »
 It is possible.  I've done this.  The piece of wood became like a wet noodle even when dry again.

bownarra

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Re: Over steaming???
« Reply #4 on: December 01, 2019, 01:47:42 am »
Yes you can and yes.

Offline Del the cat

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Re: Over steaming???
« Reply #5 on: December 01, 2019, 02:56:39 am »
It is possible.  I've done this.  The piece of wood became like a wet noodle even when dry again.
Interesting info, thanks... never stop learning in this game :)
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Offline Marc St Louis

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Re: Over steaming???
« Reply #6 on: December 01, 2019, 06:13:23 am »
I've had Elm come apart at a porous ring from over-steaming when bending recurves
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Offline Jakesnyder

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Re: Over steaming???
« Reply #7 on: December 01, 2019, 06:42:21 am »
What about side ways bending something around 1.5" wide? Is it possible?

Offline DC

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Re: Over steaming???
« Reply #8 on: December 01, 2019, 10:02:53 am »
For you guys that oversteamed it, how long did you steam it? Is this a went for lunch and forgot it kinda thing?

Offline bradsmith2010

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Re: Over steaming???
« Reply #9 on: December 01, 2019, 10:39:04 am »
Probaly depend a lot on kind of wood?

Offline Pat B

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Re: Over steaming???
« Reply #10 on: December 01, 2019, 11:34:32 am »
Under normal circumstances I doubt you could over steam. If you steam it only long enough to make the wood pliable you should be OK.
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC