How severe can a wood bend be?

[gregorco]

Hello, Sorry if this forum category isn't the most appropriate for my question but I didn't see one on wood bending. My goal is to bend a 14" long, 1/4" x 1" strip of solid wood into approximately a 6" tongs/tweezer shape where it looks like an elongated letter "U" with the bottom of the "U" almost an inch apart and the top of the "U" about a half inch apart. Is that kind of bend at all possible? Thanks for any advice you can give.

 

[WingDing]

I have done little wood bending, but I would be cautious bending the way you describe it. Such a tight bend (nearly 180 degrees) in such a small span might put too much stress on the bend for solid wood to withstand.

Now, that doesn't mean it can't be done! I'd give it a shot, worst thing that could happen is you're out of a small strip of wood. Make sure you get the wood nice and boiled up. When you're creating the template, keep in mind that after the wood has dried out, it will still expand a bit outside of your desired measurements. How much, though, I'm not sure. Sounds like some trial and error is in the works.

Let us all know how it works out! Snap some photos if you can, we love pictures!

 

[gregorco]

Thanks!

Thanks for the feedback. From what recent online searching I've done, it sounds like oak is one of the most bendable woods. Is that what you've found? Also, I've been reading about sooaking, boiling, microwaving, and steaming as techniques to use, and as a newbie what technique would you recommend?
Thanks again.
Gregor

 

[WingDing]

Hey Gregor!

No problem. I'm no expert, that's for certain. I would say you're dead on about oak. I would probably go the boiling route for the first time, especially with such a small size of stock you're working with. Boiling will get an even amount of heat and absorption.

I've never bent wood in any other way than boiling, so I can't really compare it against anything else.

After all your research, you'll be our resident wood bending expert!

 

[steve1]

sounds like you need to build a steamer. never did much wood bending but when ever I saw it done there was a steamer involved. good luck and keep us posted.

 

[steve1]

found a neat article here onhttp://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-steambox-for-bending-wood/ . hope it helps.

 

[carrot]

I can't believe no one has asked you yet but I'm nosy and pushy so I will Why does this need to be made with only one piece of wood and what on earth is it for? It would be far easier to create something of that size and shape using at least two pieces of stock.

 

[WingDing]

Haha, carrot!

Good question. A bent lamination might work better, but neglected to bring it up due to the very specific size constraints.

I needed a laugh like that!

 

[steve1]

I can't believe no one has asked you yet but I'm nosy and pushy so I will Why does this need to be made with only one piece of wood and what on earth is it for? It would be far easier to create something of that size and shape using at least two pieces of stock.

very good question! would be interested myself as to what it is for. Thank you for being nosy lol.