re: Steam bending update ( FORM +STRAP )

Nice improvement. I started bending yesterday and had to go through some trial and error to get what I wanted. So far I have managed to turn pieces in both a 1" and 1.5" radius to 270°+. I’m not making back scratchers, but your excellent advice came at a very opportune time. Because of the tight radius required, I have had to go thinner with the cherry and will laminate several to get the thickness I need. I also discovered that speed is the key when working with thinner material. It cools very quickly so I only have about 10 seconds to get the bend I want. That doesn’t give me enough time to use a compression strap, but fortunately the wood bends like rubber during those first few seconds out of the steam. Thanks again kiefer, for steering me in the right direction.