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Thread: Steam box

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Oslo, Norway
    Posts
    3

    Default Steam box

    Hello!

    I'm building a steam box for bending wood. I havn't yet desided what materials to use. I've searched around the Internet and it seems most common to use either pvc, wood og styrofoam.

    Do anyone have experience with building steam boxes? What materials do you use, and why do you prefer them?

    (The dimensions of the wood I will bend are aprox 12 mm x 15000 mm)

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    Adelaide
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    89

    Default

    I have tried PCV pipe and found it sagged too much when heated. (This was the white pipe - perhaps it would be better if you can get the higher heat resistant grey stuff, but I couldn't find any.)

    I then tried exterior plywood with much better results.

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    NUBEENA TASMANIA AUSTRALIA
    Age
    70
    Posts
    548

    Default

    Hi James.

    Steam boxes are very easy to build, once you understand the simple basics of what is required.

    You are only building a contained tunnel for the steam to work on the wood inside.

    I suggest you look at some boat building sites, to get a few ideas for what you need.

    PLASTIC. NO.
    STYROFOAM. NO WAY.

    Your structure needs to be able to support the heat generated, plus the slight pressure you will apply to your steam application. (not much).

    I just GOOGLED your enquiry.
    Heaps of info there.

    Paul.
    I FISH THEREFORE I AM.

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Oslo, Norway
    Posts
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    Default

    Thank you guys, I'll go for plywood then.

    Starr: I've read about the "sagging problem" with pvc. Some solved it by installing the pvc pipe onto a wooden beam. But I guess a steam box with plywood is more reliable.

    Again, thank you, I'll let you know how it turns out.

  6. #5
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Location
    North of the coathanger, Sydney
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    68
    Posts
    9,417

    Default

    15 metres
    what are you making?
    regards
    Nick
    veni, vidi,
    tornavi
    Without wood it's just ...

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Oslo, Norway
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    Default

    Oops. I understand your reaction, mate. Should have been 1500 mm.

  8. #7
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Location
    North of the coathanger, Sydney
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    68
    Posts
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    Default

    that makes me feel a little better

    what are you wanting to make? I'm just curious, I have no knowledge to impart in this area
    regards
    Nick
    veni, vidi,
    tornavi
    Without wood it's just ...

  9. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    Hobart
    Posts
    5,131

    Default

    I have used 100 and 150mm PVC - the cream stuff - without problems.

    Cheers

    Graeme

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