MicroWave Steam Bending Wood

HalfaDave Mon Sep 02, 2024 5:38 am

Hi All,
I am repairing/reinforcing one of these baskets:
https://www.peterborobasket.com/peterboro-original-large-bicycle-basket/
The company started in 1842, and still is making great products...
60 yrs before bicycles were invented !
The one I am repairing/reinforcing is over 50 yrs old.
(1967, Dad and I bought it for Mum at Sears and it came with the nice bike she rode for decades. )

Now to the Fun part of this topic...
I cut 1/16thX3/4X6in strips of oak.
Soaked in water overnight.
Way too stiff to try in the mold/form.
Put a strip in the microwave for 20 seconds...and Bingo! It worked !
Anyone else tried this?
I am taking photos, I hope to be able to post here.
Next stop is a wingtip form,
For a 24in LazyBee under 250 grams.... Smile

Take care,
Have fun,
Dave

aspeed Mon Sep 02, 2024 9:50 am

I have never tried it, but 100 years ago, before balsa was a thing, most models were made from bamboo strips. I guess the dollar store BBQ skewers might be something to try for wingtips.

akjgardner Mon Sep 02, 2024 11:21 am

Good tip 1/2a Dave . Good on you for restoring your Moms Bike Basket too

getback Mon Sep 02, 2024 12:25 pm

aspeed wrote:I have never tried it, but 100 years ago, before balsa was a thing, most models were made from bamboo strips. I guess the dollar store BBQ skewers might be something to try for wingtips.

I thought you were only in your 70s lol!

No Seems i have read something in that line of building before .. Huh...

getback Mon Sep 02, 2024 12:32 pm

When you first posted there wasnt that much info ??? Anyway reread and Thats Cool Daved your doing this , look for ward to some pics and progress , I looked at the baskets off line those babs are Nice and Expensive for my blood , i have a couple old baskets for picking veggies , my grandmother had a nice picnic one i would bee like 60-70 yo guessing .

aspeed Mon Sep 02, 2024 8:26 pm

getback wrote:
aspeed wrote:I have never tried it, but 100 years ago, before balsa was a thing, most models were made from bamboo strips. I guess the dollar store BBQ skewers might be something to try for wingtips.
I thought you were only in your 70s No Seems i have read something in that line of building before ..

I am 65 going on 90. I read lots of old magazines though.

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