Bending thin material

[VB...]

Hello folks, I know you can bend wood by steaming it then placing it into a shape holding jig.

How do I bend a 3"x1"x1/8" piece of scrolling into a semi circle?
Using canary wood. I cut out a name but I would like to wrap it around a box. Any ideas are apreciated. I tried soaking a piece in mineral spirit but it snapped like a tooth pick.

VB...

[Rolf]

I am not sure how successful you will be. Grain direction has to be parallel to the length. I think Canary wood is very hard and brital.
I have done steam bending but not on something that has already been cut. I have also seen wood boiled. Those are the only methods I know of to soften wood. Either way it has to be supported between 2 solid pieces or it will most certainly break.
What radius. You could also cut it out of a thicker piece of wood and then cut the curve on the scroll saw.

[VB...]

Thank you ROLF. As I suspected I made a few mistakes. Grain direction is wrong. I used what I had on hand at the time. This little project is due this Thursday. Not sure if Ill be able to do a second cutting.

"You could also cut it out of a thicker piece of wood and then cut the curve on the scroll saw. "

Your right! That would have worked much better. Some how my brain thought """Canary wood""" and thats it, never moved from that consideration. Ehhhh!

Thanks again,
VB...

[VB...]

I want to try this tonight:

How to Bend Wood

Microwave Bending Wood

• This method of learning how to bend wood is very simple and similar to steam bending. All you have to do is wrap the pieces of wood in a wet paper towel and microwave for sometime.
• It is the heat from the microwave which heats the wood and bends in the desired manner. Moisture is a principle factor which plays an important role in this wood bending technique.
• You can microwave the wood for about 15 to 20 seconds and then mold it immediately in whichever form you wish to. It can be used effectively if you want to know how to bend wood for an arch, or any other small objects. If you are looking for woodworking for beginners this is a very simple technique you can use to bend wood."

VB...

[journeyman]

Very interesting, thanks for the link.
Mick

[VB...]

Not sure if it will work but I have some scrap I can experiment with. This may just do the trick.

VB...

[Wood Dog]

Test on scrap for sure, I did the microwave thing a while back and my piece cracked, think I left it in too long or the setting was too high. Good luck

[oily]

Build a tool like the pic below the size you need. It will make creases on the back side of your piece across the grain. The more creases the sharper the bend.
You can also build a jig to help the process. (see link)
Check out their site, they have alot of handy do-dads and cr.....stuff.

Search Results - Micro-Mark

[VB...]

Thanks oily & Wood Dog. I tried the microwave option on a scrap piece and it broke. But I know it can be done. Will let you know if I get it to work.
VB...