Plank steamer

Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 3:31 pm • Post subject: Plank steamer

As I work in a science based area, I thought I would use a little of the apparatus in my prep room and make a really hi tech steamer Laughing

. With the upcoming Triton build, I obvisouly beeded to find a way to bend timber without the use of a plank nipper.

A bunsen burner is shown underneath a tripod/heat gauze arrangement, and on top of this is a 1litre flat bottomed round flask with about 300 - 400ml of water inside, and a few anti-bump granules to stop the water boiling over). A small bore glass pipe bent at 90 degrees exits this flask and enters a glass tube, about 1/2 inch (slightly larger perhaps) diameter. The planks, several at a time are pushed fully home into the tube and the bunsen lit. When the water starts to boil, leave the timbers about 5 to 10 mins with full steam exiting the tube, and thats all you need. Bend around your curve or pre-made former.

Members may be able to use household items as substitutes for what I have used, and perhaps a camping stove as a heat source.

I bent several pieces of timber, from low grade lime, to quite dense and tough French walnut 1.5mm thick (shown) and I could bend them around curves of 3/4 inch diameter, and possibly less.

Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 4:02 pm • Post subject:

Nice one Professor Pugwash PDT_Aliboronz_23

Spose you brew your own "elixir" in there too Laughing

Steve

Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 4:28 pm • Post subject:

Jim:
Good work. It looks like you have your plank bender solved.

Russ

Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 5:17 pm • Post subject: Plank Bender

Very nice Jim.I agree with Russ and i think you have general solved the problem of plank benter... I suggest to think about this method as a product (one piece apparatus) which you will secure as your idea Applause

before you see it from a company... Evil or Very Mad

Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 5:25 pm • Post subject:

Thanks for the comments guys. 8) I tried a really brittle piece of very fibrous timber used for lighting the Bunsen burner, and I ended up literally tying it in knots. Wonder if it will do the business with ebony Rolling Eyes

Anyone want to redesign it for model makers operating OUTSIDE a lab? Mmmmm......... PDT_Aliboronz_23

Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 6:07 pm • Post subject: Plank Bender

Jim i am thinking about something like the apparatus that boils water for filter coffee with some modifications.It is a first thought... Rolling Eyes

Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 7:09 pm • Post subject:

Jim,
As a former chemistry major I salute you PDT_Aliboronz_31

.

Scott

Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 7:14 pm • Post subject: plank bender

See what i mean Jim..But you are the proffesor

Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 7:23 pm • Post subject:

Just wondering which type of tubing and connectors could be used....Polythene perhaps. I think PVC would become too soft in the hot water. All parts should be connected with neoprene tubing or something else pretty resilient to heat.

....something to ponder here. If we would could come up with an ideal home solution, then we can make a PDF and add this as a download.

Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 7:25 pm • Post subject: