I decided to try to bend another board with the current setup. I spent some time picking out the board, looking for errant grain and figure. The wood splits along the grain, so any cross grain in the board will cause it to split.
You know the drill by now, so I will cut to the chase. Here are the numbers for the bend.
- Start the steamer at 8:45
- Full steam and insert board at 9:15 - 30 minutes to start
- Turn the board over at 9:30 - 15 minutes on first side
- Pull out and bend 9:45 - 15 minutes on the second side.
Wow! This one bent like cheese! I just stuck the tail into the bracket notch and wrapped it around the form, clamping it only on one end. The board bent smoothly around the form withoug bowing out in places, so I did not add any extra clamps.
Here are the photos of the bent board.
The Wood Bent Smoothly Around the Form
Here is a view from a different angle.
The Bent Board From a Different Angle
Another view.
Another View
Still another view.
Still Another View
This one may be it. I don't see anything wrong with this board so far. I need to let it dry out for 24 hours and then see if I can make a hoop out of it. Fingers are crossed.
You may have noticed that I have taken off the caul on one side of the clamps. There is no need of it on the inside since that presses up against the form, and the clamp isn't going to hurt that.
