Question
We would like to produce a hammock chair stand, and feel that a bent lamination method might work for us. We have produced two forms (one male, one female) to be used as a press. The radius of the curve to be produced is 27'' inside, 31" outside. To eliminate as much of the trial and error as possible, I've read every thread on bending and laminating on this site. I'm still somewhat confused. If I use laminating strips of 1/4" in thickness x 4" in width, will I need to steam, bend, dry and finally laminate? Or will that thickness bend to my radius without steam? Perhaps a thinner thickness would work better? Should I use dry wood or green? Finally, with regard to lumber selection, I would like to use oak as it appears to be a good choice for bending, has a nice appearance when finished, and is strong (stand will need to hold 250 lbs). Is there a particular grade of lumber I need specify? And is there an industry term for surfaced laminating strips?
Forum Responses
(Furniture Making Forum)
From contributor J:
Run some tests - if the unsteamed pieces bend without breaking, then steaming isn't necessary. If they break, then try using thinner pieces. If the radius is very tight and the laminations are as thin as you wish to saw them, and they still break, then steaming may be required.
Ash and oak are good bending woods. The wood should be dry. If you use green wood, it will dry eventually, and the results will be uncontrolled. If the joint is stressed and the wood has drying defects in it, then there could be some strength issues.
