Steam vs Hot water bath???

[chris del]

I recently attended a workshop on oval shaker boxes. We used a water trough and hot plate to heat the water to about 180 degrees and soaked the bands for about 20 minutes prior to bending around the forms.

Can anyone please explain the differences, pro/cons of steam bending vs a hot water soak?

TIA

[Larry McCoy]

Chris,

I don't think I can explain the difference but I have made several boxes and I use the steam box I made out of plywood. First I wet the strips down and steam them for about 10 minutes then very quickly wrap them around the form. Either way works it depends on what you have or can make. Don't try thin PVC for a steam box, it gets hot and deforms! Bought the steamer from Lee Valley, soaking trays available from Johnny Wilson.