MicroWave Steam Bending Wood

HalfaDave Mon Sep 02, 2024 1:38 pm

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 5:50 pm

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 7:21 pm

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

getback Mon Sep 02, 2024 8:25 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 8:32 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 Tue Sep 03, 2024 4:26 am

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.

HalfaDave Mon Sep 23, 2024 6:49 am

Hi All, Sorry to delay responding,
Great weather has kept me outside, away from this laptop.
(ten days in a row flying is a new record for me ! Smile

)
Basket repairs worked out great.

Bending the softer woods than oak are getting interesting...
I'm thinking, 5 seconds max... It is interesting. Try it.

I have photos. 25 yr old Cannon camera with a dime sized disk to send.
I need lousy weather to figure it out,
How to get them on CEF...
And,
This Cox Engine Forum inspires me.
Thank You,
Dave

P.S. The Topic is, Microwave Steam Bending Wood. Try it !

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