Bending of African Mahogany

[RobbieZ]

I have build 3 models with mainly Cherry. It is a great wood for modelling, but it is a bit light for what I have in mind for the next one. I saw in a article on modelling woods on the site that African Mahogany is a good one.

I have a few blocks of African Mahogany. To cut the strips, 5 by 2 mm, is easy. Bending, not so much.

I tried heat with my soldering iron, hot and cold water soaking, does not work.

Now, how do I bend the wood? Alternatively, is there a wood that will bend easier but with approximately the same colour.

[AON]

I see you've soaked it... how hot was the water (boiling?)

Have you tried steam... 5 to 10 minutes is normally adequate for us.

I use an old rice steamer to steam my wood... limits the length.

I've also place some pieces directly in the boiling water of the steamer.

 

I've read exotic and soft woods do not bend well, and that kiln dried wood cannot be steam bent as the ligin in the wood has been permanently set.

Air dried wood below 10% moisture has limited bending capabilities when steamed for the same reason.

Should allow a shallow curve which is normally plenty for us!

 

 

[barkeater]

I've used Mahogany on builds. You are correct in that it has a tendency to crack or split when bending. I soak in water or steam in the microwave in a wet paper towel then use an electric bender. If using the microwave be sure not to put your face in the steam as I found out I was allergic to Bolivian Rosewood this way with a rash that looked like poison ivy. My advice is to bend it in stages if it is cracking on you. Put a little bend then resoak or steam and bend it a little more until you get the bend you need. I also use Ebony which wants to split a lot and I get it to work with the same technique. 

Rich

[RobbieZ]

Thanks guys. I will play around with your tips. The cherry that I am using on my current model can get a bit brittle when it dried if not careful, but it bends easily by soaking it in cold water for about 15 seconds. It seems that I just need to be careful with the brittleness.

I wish you all a beautiful and blessed 2025

[AON]

If the wood tends to split try thinner pieces for a laminated assembly.

make them a bit wider then you need because they might shift when glued but as they are oversized you can sand them to the proper width after the glue dries.