Steam Bending Question

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dsredlin

dsredlin

Well-known member
I'm getting ready to steam bend a cherry chair leg that is 1-1/2" thick. Does anybody have an idea of how long it should be in steamer before it's ready to bend?

Thanks,
Dave
 
I onced asked that question to Frank Klauz and he indicated "hours".  I tried and it never worked and completed the project with laminating the part.  I was making molding for the bottom of a veneered elliptical table apron.  I thought it would be simple to do.
 
Dave,

That is a pretty thick piece to steam bend. Can you give us a bit more info? It's 1 1/2 thick, how wide? How much of a bend do you need?

Hopefully, we can zero in on a good answer for you.

Ralph
 
Sorry fellas for the delay. I should of mentioned in the beginning that it's a round chair leg. I am copying a friends old Shaker chair.

Thanks for the help,
Dave
 
I don't think I would try it with cherry.  hickory/oak or something like that and I would boil it before I would steam it. probably about 2 hours. just make sure you have your bending jig ready and get it in there QUICK AND ALLOW FOR SPRING BACK ON YOUR JIG . I have used this method  many times with great sucess, but never with anything that thick.
 
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