How do I Bend Wood Beams?
Bending wood beams is a fascinating process that works by saturating the wood with enough water so that it bends rather than breaks. This works best with thinner pieces of wood, but even thick beams can bend slightly with enough water saturation. This project can be dangerous, so take all safety precautions possible such as eye and hand protection. Make the shaped form to hold the beam on while it is drying. This form should be the same shape as the final shape that you want the beam. Glue enough pieces of fiberboard together to equal the width of the beam. Allow the glue to dry. Trace the shape that you want to bend the beam into onto the top piece of the fiberboard. Cut out the shape with the saw. Make sure to make smooth cuts. The two cut pieces should fit together like a puzzle. The two pieces placed above and below the beam will help shape the wood. Glue a thin strip of cork to either side of the fiberboard. Set up the steamer. Use a piece of PVC pipe long enough and wide enough f
