My Top 10 Reasons Why Steam Bending Wood Fails | Engels Coach Shop

Steam bending wood is a challenge to perfect with a degree of repeatability. After 40 years of bending wood, these are the top reasons why I have experienced failure. Building and restoring horse drawn vehicles involves bending wood to meet different applications, which has lead me on the journey to discover how steam bending works. Follow through the actual process as I point out the 10 most common reasons why steaming wood often results in failure.

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[Thomas..Anderson]

1. Not using deciduous trees. 2:42
Add.: Fresh green or air dried wood bends best.
2. Not using straight grain. 8:34
Add.: Use wood with less than 1" grain run-out per 12".
3. Not enough water in your system. 9;20
Add.: Use fresh water
4. Not using enough heat. 11:22
5. Not using a surfactant. 12:04
Add.: Ammonia is commonly used.
6. Not using a good steam box. 12:35
Add.: Not made from wood.
7. Not using pressure. 13:23
Add.: 260°F, 3-4 psi.
8. Not using a support band. 13:56
Add.: Green lumber need 1 hour of steaming per inch of thickness. Kiln dried double that.
9. Not containing the lumber. 15:50
Add.: Wood bending is compression.
10. Not having enough power. 16:24
Add.: Eat spinach!

[kenjimac]

Whenever I am getting stressed with the news of the world, I can count on your videos to calm my soul. Thanks Dave 😊

[rkarins]

One of the few channels that I watch the video, from start to finish, without skipping ahead.

[jacklouth]

I am a new viewer and 86-year-old amateur woodworker. Since my retirement at 82 I have focused exclusively on Windsor chairs (6 chairs so far) and small period reproductions. Thank you for teaching me details that will help in my current Windsor (#7).
My great uncle was a wheelwright in Delaware County, PA and I am interested in your exceptional skill and the craft. Thanks for your help and craftsmanship.

[craigpadley]

Whether you meant it to teach or not Dave, I've learned hell of a lot from you. Many thanks
Steve, Nottingham England.

[dickmorris]

Your content is always interesting, but I wanted to compliment you on your writing, delivery, filming, and editing. All are top notch and comparable to stuff done by people who do those things for a living.

[PilotMcbride]

Ha! Your steamer uses the same fuel as my computer 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣.
I can remember way back in my preteens days we would visit my granddad’s cousin, a WW1 veteran. He and a few others, on return from the war, set themselves up in what was a secluded area near our town because they needed regular medical attention and they absolutely hated other people. We were family and accepted. These guys would build and repair klinker built rowing boats for themselves and family. Hey used an open fire and down pipe as their “steamer” or wood condition to bend the ribs and slats, they were poetry in motion to watch them work ever so lazily. They didn’t move much or seem to do anything at all, but got a lot done with minimum fuss. None of their homes had running water or electricity, but they were as happy as pigs in .... Sad thing is, they passed within the same month.
Anyway, great video Mr Engles, thank you for sharing, again you brought back memories of a bygone era.

[truderenken]

71 year old woman, and I have no intention of ever fabricating wood wheels, but your methods are going to be useful someday, for something ~ thank you from the bottom of my heart!

[elcheapo]

Just ask Home Depot how to bend wood. There isn't a straight piece in the place!

[adrianu]

One thing that stands out in all your videos is that you work at a measured pace. That is always the mark of a real craftsman.

[duanelundgren]

Repetition is a valid form of learning, too! I loved it!! Looks like the possibility of some new wheel hubs in the background... and the Baileigh dust collector, that looks new, too!! LIFE GOES ON!! Thanks, Mr. Dave!!!!

[michaelevelyn]

Watching Dave work is about the most relaxing and satisfying time spent, for me. His discipline, attention to detail, his pedantic approach are highly commendable. He is an inspiration. I truly envy his skills. Also, working alone, his hand-eye coordination is flawless. Keep on coaching, Dave. The vast array and amount of tools he has collected looks priceless. I love the way he handles his tools. I omitted to mention the exceptional camera work. It seems Dave is operating the camera remotely, with his thoughts. His apparent boundless energy has to be seen to be believed. Are you going to be mentoring someone to succeed you, Dave?

[wakefieldyorkshire]

A masterclass from a master. I personally will never need to do this, but knowledge doesn't weigh anything. THANK YOU.

[rickbrandt]

Like how you have shown that "patience" is key to most any Thank You..

[نجمالسماء-عر]

Hello my name is Alaa and I am from Iraq I loved your program and I am very impressed with your experience. Connect with your business. I wish you health and safety, God willing.

[maggs]

Might be weird of me but I bet your shop smells heavenly after all that cutting and routering.

[tybrady]

Excellent video! I first thought it would be obvious ideas, but no, not obvious ideas, ingenious ideas that work and make sense. Thanks for sharing!

[ericzimmerman]

Great teachers cannot be created by their own desire to pass on knowledge to others, but are created by those who seek to gain the knowledge they hold. The lack of intention on your part does not lessen what you have created, but elevated it to something greater than your desire to demonstrate your art. You are helping fill the void people have being surrounded by a disposable society and helping insure that your craft will continue. Thank you.

[yossiderecheven]

I learn a lot from watching your videos and I thank you for sharing the knowledge, I really appreciate it.

[rushd]

Love it - he even shows us how to sweep the floor! It's all part of the process.