Steam Bending Wood in a Microwave

details at http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/
Using a microwave oven to steam bend small pieces of wood. These are White Ash, 9 and 16 inches long, for a wooden 1880’s Melonseed Skiff project. Pieces are 1.5x.5 inches thick. These will become bentwood knees to support the side decks.

26 Replies to “Steam Bending Wood in a Microwave”

  1. Be very careful this can results in don't try this at home or you can see yourself back n science of stupid there is tension

  2. Really helpful thanks, but do you realise that you have just invented the wooden spring?😂

  3. Clever, both the micro waving technique and the wood-bending jig. ! But my heart sank a bit watching you use bend that nice steel ruler. Well, use what you've got I guess.

  4. You guys are missing the point. Dude has great taste in music. I hear Menomena in the background.

  5. Aww hell, I wanted to see you bend a piece of wood while it was in the microwave. I was wanting to see what happens to human flesh when you microwave it. B-u-m-m-e-r!!

  6. I alway love it when commenters tell an expert what might or could happen with regards to safety.

  7. I was sitting on my deck trying to escape the unusual heat here in the Bay Area this morning when I accidentally ran into your video. After this one, your wooden top banjo came on. It remedied me what a remarkably talented person you are. I like both tunes, but especially Waynsboro. I learned it from a Hammons family recording.  Ray

  8. Shake hands with danger, man. How do you secure the leverage arm so it doesn't spring back and castrate you? Your trust in the indestructibility of bolts and lumber is terrifying. Just because that wood is wet (and hot) doesn't mean there isn't a ton of potential energy waiting to snap back on you.
    One more thing; there are no trees any more so old or remote that they cannot have a bullet or nail embedded in them from the Revolution. Having a metal detector in your shop is no more unusual than a microwave, and might lower your fire insurance.
    Your medical insurance is a function of your shop practices. Were I your agent, I'd be raising your rates…a lot.

Comments are closed.