Soaking plank

[zamboknee]

I'm soaking a plank so as to bend it easier. How long should I let it soak?

If I'm going to attach it tonight (8pm) how soon before should I take it out of water?

[Don Case]

I've only done a few so take that into consideration. I soaked mine for about 30 min and then clamped it into position. Let it dry overnight and then refit it and glue it in place. Apparently if you glue it in place while it's still damp it can shrink and leave gaps.

[allanyed]

Zambok,

What kind of wood and how thick is it?  A lot depends on the type of wood (ebony can soak for a year and not be pliable) as well as the thickness.   I have soaked holly that is 1/16" thick for five minutes and it could be bent around a carved plug for frames for a ships boat without heat.  Castello boxwood thicker than about 1/4" is difficult to bend even if soaked long enough for the water to fully penetrate.  But, while gently bending and hitting it with a hot air gun (don't use her hair dryer unless she is out of the house for a while) it can be bent around a form while wet with some ease then clamped in place until it dries completely via the hot air, or air dry for some hours.  Thinner stock pf this wood is not so bad. The amount of grain and direction will also contribute to the ease or difficulty.   Dry bending with heat is another option that few people use but can be tried as well to see if it works for you with the wood you are using. 

Allan

[mtaylor]

I do much like Allan.  Soak for maybe 30 minutes and then I generally use a curling iron to heat and bend.   I also use the soak and hair dryer method.  

 

If you need a curling iron or hair dryer, buy one new, give it to the admiral and take her old one.  Need to keep the admiral happy.