Steam tool for bending wood model ship planks?

[mobile1]

I have seen it mentioned that steam helps to bend wood planks on model ships.

 

Can anyone recommend a tool for this?

 

Thank you for your help.

[DocBlake]

I use a regular clothing iron.  It works great on thinner planks.  It's a bit tougher when the plank is 1/8" or thicker, though.

[Tadeusz43]

Hi,

I soak planks in boiling water for few minutes then place on bending jig and allow to dry.

 

Tadeusz

[twintrow]

I use my wife's discarded hair curler.  It is stuck on High so she can't use it.  I soak the wood for 10-15 mins.   Open the jaws stick the wood in and close the jaws .  The heat helps with the bend.  The diameter is perfect for every curve I have needed so far (15 or so ships), and can be bent in any direction.

Brand new the curling iron is less than $10 USD.

[Jaager]

A vegetable/rice/food steamer cooker should do the trick.

Black & Decker and Oster both have long oval models for < $40.

They are also useful for cooking rice and veggies, so be more cost effective than most tools we buy.
 

 

[jbshan]

A wet paper towel and a microwave.

[GuntherMT]

I just use Chuck's method, a heat gun (or blow dryer).  Add water (soaking) prior to heat if needed.

[cristikc]

I use a steamer and you can look here

http://modelshipworld.com/index.php/topic/494-steem-bending-tool-cristikc/?hl=cristikc

how it works. Cristi

[hornet]

I have been using an Aeropiccola heat/steam bender for over 30 years. Works well for me. See my post about it from another thread below.

 

 

 

http://modelshipworld.com/index.php/topic/602-how-long-do-you-soak-the-planks/page-2?hl=%2Bplank+%2Bbender#entry216387

[Julie Mo]

This is what I have:

I have used it for woodworking and guitar building and it steams the wood well.  The kit includes instructions on making the wood box but would have to be modified for model making.

 

I also have one of these:

When bending guitar sides, you need to back up the wood with a bending strap to keep the fibers from breaking.  This may not be an issue with model making though.

 

[KeithAug]

Hi

 

I find soaking wood in container of boiling water is the most convenient method. For anything up to 1/8 inch a few minutes soak will do the job. You can vary the size of the container to match the piece of wood you want to bend and any water left in the kettle can be used for coffee (or tea in my case). When bending long strips I use a steam wallpaper stripper and push the strips down the steam outlet tube.

 

Keith

Edited November 12, 2015 by KeithAug