How do I build a wood steamer for bending?
The purpose of a wood steamer is to add both heat and moisture to wood timbers. The water will soak into the wood fibers, and the added heat will make these fiber pliable, allowing them to be bent and held in place with clamps until they dry out away, taking on a new shape. Steam boxes should be slightly larger than the wood boards you are bending, since smaller steamer boxes are more efficient.Materials and PreparationBegin by choosing your materials. Pick out either 5/8 inch or 3/4 inch plywood for the main frame and walls. Thinner plywood is acceptable, but use an outside coat of insulation to keep warm air trapped in more easily, so the wood heats faster. You also will want some type of support, such as wires, to lay the wood on in the box, so the steam can access every side of it. Choose a reliable water container to generate the steam, preferably a cooking pot or something else designed to hold boiling water. For a heat source, find a device that works for the location you are in
