Plank Bender....

[Clark]

On 6/20/2019 at 12:57 PM, James H said:

How about this one?

 

 

I bought a similar one (model craft) and did some tests on 1.5 - 2mm planks. It works, but you have to soak the planks intensively before.

Clark

[John Allen]

On 6/24/2019 at 8:19 PM, JohnB40 said:

The can also heats up and drys the opposite side. I also use the electric iron to twist bend the planks for the stern runs. Wet the planks, clamp to bulkhead at the start of the run,heat and form to shape required.

Have a plank bender used once put back in the box. A take on John's can. I posted a long time ago the same except I used 3 different size cans depending on the size of the build. Can was clamped to desk (1 clamp) soaked strips used a tea candle inside the can, could bend 3 to 4 strips at a time very quick. 1 hand for strips the other to hold downward pressure on the ends.

[Rob S]

I’ve got two methods - one shown above as an electric, heated circular rod that is used to shape the moist planks. I have a second jig type device that can be used to hold planks in a certain position while they dry. I learned the hard way that fastening/gluing still moist planks on the bulkheads can be problematic as the wood wants to change shape as it drys.  

 

[stuglo]

Used both these and the tin can method amongst  others including hair dryers and curling tongs. They depend on thickness of the wood and size of curve. They can often be combined. They all need patience and persistence and often the process has to be repeated. Its fun to try new things, so keep up the suggestions.

[wefalck]

For the moment, I had no need to use it for that purpose, but some years ago I bought a hot-air soldering station. The temperature can be regulated between 100°C and 450°C and the air-flow can also be regulated. It comes with different size nozzles and cost under 40€ including shipping from China.

 

As heat is the main ingredient in plank-bending (the steam mainly serves as heat carrier ...) I would make myself a jig to fix the planks while cooling down. With the temperature and air-flow control and a small nozzle it may be even possible to heat the planks in situ on the model, but beware that you do not loosen previously glue planks. The in situ method might be useful for compound curves.

 

If you want to know what is really possible in terms of wood-bending, look up Thonet-furniture (their famous No. 14 chair is the classical bistro-chair). They used mainly beech, I think, and massive cast-iron jigs to hold the shape, while the wood was cooling down:

 

 

Also note the use of steel strips to distribute the bending forces and prevent kinking.