Steam Bending Radius Calculator
Steam Bending Parameters
Calculate steaming time and minimum radius for steam bending
Formula
Min Radius = Thickness x Species Factor x Grain Factor | Steam Time = Thickness x 60 min | Form Radius = Desired x (1 - SpringBack%)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I steam wood?
The general rule is one hour of steaming per inch of thickness. For example, 3/4 inch stock needs about 45 minutes of steaming at 212 degrees F.
What is spring-back in steam bending?
Spring-back is the tendency of bent wood to partially straighten after it is removed from the form. Plan for about 10-20% spring-back by making the form radius tighter than desired.
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