Wood Bender’s Handbook by Zachary Taylor
Sterling Publishing, 2008.
$17.95; 144 pp.
This week’s winner is chipmaker2. He won a copy of Wood Bender’s Handbook.
Starting with wood-bending principles and techniques, the Wood Bender’s Handbook by Zachary Taylor sets the stage for successful bending. Taylor explains the characteristics of wood, including information about moisture content, and moves you right into the process of bending. The book then covers different bending techniques: hot and cold bending, dry bending, bent lamination and kerf bending. The book also includes wood bending projects such as oval boxes, walking sticks and chair backs.
The lucky winner is chipmaker2. His comment was chosen at random.
Be sure to stay tuned for more giveaways.
Comments
I would like to add this to my library
Nice timing: I'm just about to try my hand at bending some beautifully figured pink eucalyptus (sides for a ukulele) and after several hit or miss (mostly) miss efforts with scraps I'm scared to begin.
Please throw my name in the hat.
I have been researching wood bending articles and publications to gain some knowledge on the subject before I begin skill building. Wood Bender's Handbook sounds like a single, comprehensive resource on this subject and an interesting read. From what I've already learned about the process, understanding the dynamics of moisture content is critical to successful outcomes. A greater knowledge of the various bending techniques and their optimal application would be quite informative and beneficial. I look forward to an opportunity to review and learn from it.
That would be a nice read.
Yeah i could definitely put this book to practical use.
I try not to get all bent out of shape if I don't win...
would be a good book to read on bending wood
I want this book, free is better, but I will buy it in the unlikelihood that I don't finally win something here.
would love to win this book as I'm just getting mentally to try my first project with bent laminations. Some version of Sam Maloofs design of a cradle. I'm sure I'll need all the help I can get
I would love it!
Please.
Please count me in. I have wanted to try making shaker boxes for a long time.
Ross
It would be great to have this book to help with my planned Shaker box project. Thank you.
I would very much like to receive this book. Contemplating bendy wood stuff right now, perfect timing!
After many years of woodworking with straight lines bending and curves would be a nice extension to my techniques.
I'm very interested in learning to make Shaker Style boxes and would love to receive this book. thanks for the great Woodworking Magazine and the e-mails. I really look forward to reading each and every one of them!
I'd love to try steam bending shaker boxes.
I would love to win this book
I've done some wet bending of white pine lattice strips and could really use additional techniques.
I love to read about new ways to work wood and leaving a knowledge library for my children to reference after I am gone is important, this book would be a great addition to that library!
I have been building fine furniture for quite a while now and bending is one of the things that needs improvement to complete my skill set. This book would be a great way to do that - a great way to share how this book can give and woodwork these much needed skills.
I have been using wood bending quite a bit in my work. Always seems to be a "technique of risk" when I incorporate a bit feature. It would be good to see what another wood worker uses for technique.
Cool giveaway!
My grandson saw this offer and wanted to know if I knew how to bend wood to make boxes, I told him I've tried it a few times and wasn't very good at it. He would like to try it so I thought I would try to get a book so we could make some for gifts. Thanks
What a relief to discover that not only bent woodworkers can learn to bend wood!
Would love to add some predictability to my bending technique!
I've always admired the beautiful oval boxes and have wanted to give it a try. I'm sure this book would give me the guidance to maybe start a new phase of woodworking. Make me a winner. Thanks.
There is some magic to the Fine Woodworking e-newsletter. Whatever project I am working on there always seems to be an article or video series perfect for me. Most recently I've been do a series of boxes and cabinets with curved doors or casework and there it was: just the advice necessary to get me over a few of the bumps in the road
I would love to learn some new techniques beyond just bent lamination, such as stem bending and kerf bending. This looks like an interesting book.
I have worked on several bending projects and would love to add this very intresting book to my library.
I do a bit of bent lam work but that's the extent of my wood bending experience, would love to have this book to learn some new techniques.
I do a fair amount of bending and would love to add this to my library.
I never bent any wood, but I would like to learn this technique.
I recently tried bending wood for a tabernacle I just finished. The project called for bent laminations and steam bending. I truly enjoyed both aspects and have been thinking about how to incorporate bending into my next project. I already have a couple books on bending and would love to add this one to my small collection!
I would love to win!
Froe in hand, steam box hot, what do I do next?
Sweet book! I would love to learn how to build a Shaker Box like the one on the cover!
I have a stash of bendable wood and a steamer. This would help me make use of those things.
I build string instruments and typically bend wood with heat. I'd like to learn other methods.
Ready to bend
Please sign me up for the drawing!
I have done some steam bending in the recent past for repairs to my boat. I am sure that this book would help me greatly in future projects.
Great. Sign me up.
I do hope to win this book. Despite the wealth of information in the forums, a tangible guide will certainly help me figure out what I've been doing wrong up to now.
I need to bend something
I need to bend something
I would love to have a copy!
I've got to bend and bend again!
Thank you!
I would like a copy!
Pick me! Pick me!
This would be great! I have been looking for a book like this that covers the topic completely. I sure would like to win a copy!!!
I would love a copy of the book!
This book will surely help my first attempt at a shaker box.
This week I had the opportunity to visit the shop of a woodworker in Painesville, Ohio. He had sitting in his showroom several of these oval boxes. They were so beautiful it inspired me to attempt to build some. This book would be very helpful in my first attempt!
I've tried some bending with moderate success and would like more information on the subject. Sounds like this would be a good reference.
I love how wood can be used in such unique ways. Can't wait to read it!
This book would be a stellar addition to my Fine Woodworking library! I am very interested!!!
I'm ready to start bending. Signed up for electives on bent laminations at Fine Woodworking Live next month!
Would love to add this to my woodworking library.
I've always wanted to try wood bending. Maybe the information in this book will help me do that.
I have bent laminates and experimented with steam bending, any new information would just be a bonus.
Great book - ready to make Shaker boxes!
Would like this book for my library.
Would like to try the technique.
Thanks for an opportunity to add to my library.
I have a few project on which I would like to try wood bending. The timing looks right!
Maybe it can tell me how to bend strips of 2x4, for the cheap woodworker.
I've done a limitless bent lamination and a little steam this book would bea great resource.
I'm in
Thanks
Thanks for the offer!
I would love a book on wood bending but I NEED a book on wood stretching!
Would love to have a copy, Thanks for the chance.
The first time I bent wood it was to make a pair of snow shoes.
I was in a two bedroom apartment and bent the red oak using galvanized gutter down spout as a team chamber. Looking back the metal gutter threw a lot of wasted heat but I did get the wood bent.
Lots of fun!
Chuck
I love working with wood and am always eager to learn knew techniques to add to my skill set. I do antique furniture restoration as a hobby and would definitely appreciate the input.
love your website and all the great videos and tips you put out. Hope I win the book!!!!!!!!!!!!
The wife wants a $500 fancy scrolled metal signpost, I'd like to give her one just as nice in wood with steam bent scrolls. Never having done steam bending this book would be a great start,
Would love to be added to the drawing. I have tried my hand a few times at bending, once not so bad. The others did bnot turn out too well. Would love this book to improve greatly!!
Over the last 10 years I've done a fair amount of bending. I've made a few shaker boxes. I've tried steam bending. I've done much of my work in bent lamination for many projects. I've always been fond of incorporating bending into chairs, boxes. chests , and other special projects. I'd like to read this book and see what additional tips and techniques I can pick up.
I completed my first bending project this year, when I helped build a Klondike sled with the Webelo scouts. I would love to learn more.
Bender?! I didn't even know her.
I've done a fair amount of steam bending over the years, snowshoes, fishing nets, Shaker boxes, etc. using birch, maple, cherry, oak available in Vermont. Now I'm living in southern mexico and would like to continue steam bending, using the locally available, indigenous hardwoods. There is no information in my home library covering any of the woods I'd like to try bending. I'm sure the "Wood Bender's Handbook" has information or techniques which will be helpful.
Having tried many years of mind-bending (teaching), I am now ready for wood-bending. Bring it on!
I've done a few bending projects but would love to learn more...
Thanks for the free give away of the Wood Bender's Handbook by Zachary Taylor. With 144 pages of bending, it will be hard to lay this book down flat.
Be happy to have more great idea's and info for bending wood!
I have attempted steam bending in the past, but all was a miserable failure. This book sounds as though it may be exactly the answer to my problems. Please enter me for this draw.
I've successfully bent thin stock for Shaker oval boxes, but never anything thicker or laminated. This book looks like it will help me learn how to do just that.
Definitely wold like to read this!
When airplanes were made from bedsheets, water pipe and old fenceposts I used to bend wood for wingtips, but haven't done any since 1942. This book would be a great refresher course for me.
I just finished making a steam box. I'm in the process of collecting some ash wood to bend for a pedal car that I'm making. I sure could use some more info to read on wood bending before I start.
I've always wanted to build a project that have curved pieces in it, but I just can't get the hang of bending wood.
this would be a nice and welcome addition to my collection.I don't really get much call for construction of this type in the projects I get invoved in but there have been times I thought that this knowledge would have been quite helpful.Bring it on! In the past I have used laminating with forms to achieve the desired result but I think this is challenging option.
Wood bending has many application in furniture and instrument making so this book would be a great reference source. I have done many shaker boxes, hand made chairs, and tool pieces with bending and laminating.
I always wanted to learn to build Scandinavian "Iina" - (bent wood lunch boxes). This looks like a good place to start...
Thank you for the opportunity.
I've done bent laminations, but I'd like to learn other methods of bending. The design possibilities in breaking out of the x-y axis seem limitless.
I am restoring a six drawer dresser from 1943. It had" a laminate top and is otherwise in perfect condition. It was in a building about to be torn down by the army and I was able to save it.
I am restoring a six drawer dresser from 1943. It had" a laminate top and is otherwise in perfect condition. It was in a building about to be torn down by the army and I was able to save it.
I have steam bent oak laminations and plywood over curves frames, but would like to learn even more bending techniques.
I would love to own this book. Please consider my desire.
Over the years I have done some lamination bending and kerf bending, but would love to expand my skills into more refined bending techniques. Hope I get lucky in your draw.
Bending wood is qualitatively different than cutting it, making joints, or machine shaping it, etc. Witness the strength of Shaker boxes where utilizing steam bending techniques along with the natural strength of the parallel grain of the wood even though flimsy by itself results in a surprisingly formidable container. Learning more about these bending techniques would indeed be a step in another wood dimension.
Bending wood greatly expands the design possibilities in virtually all types of woodworking, often enabling greater strength with lesser weight while adding a a sensuous feeling that straight lines cannot. I would love to have this book help me develop my skills in this pursuit.
This book would be an excellent addition to my Fine Woodworking library! Thanks for the opportunity.
I have wanted to try wood bending for a long time and I think this book would be the ticket to get me started.
Sure, I haven't won anything in a long time.
I have been wanting to try some wood bending for a long time. This might just give me the needed impetus to do so.
This book would be an great addition to my Fine Woodworking library! Thanks for the opportunity.
Would be a very useful book in my collection!
Having constructed some shaker boxes like the one on the cover during a short course the book will give a bit more technichal support to the skills learned.
I believe this would allow me to make a quantum leap in my work as an instrument repairman. Thanks, Red
Would love to give bending wood a try. Sounds like a great book count me in.
I teach High School Woodwork. This book would be a great resource for doing cool stuff with wood for my students.
I'm in
Wood bending, to boldly go where this woodworker has not gone before. I'm in.
I've experimented but had very limited success, this might just help me figure it out.
I've always wanted to try bending wood
I would love to learn a new skill.
Great info on bending wood. I would like to have a copy.
77 years old and time to move to step 2 in bending. A copy would be most helpful.
Wood bending can be fun!!! Made a bender out of a large piece of PVC and provided steam using the burner part of a turkey cooker. Done some kerf bending and a little laminate bending. Would love to win this book and make comments.
I'll take it! Thanks
I don't know anything about bending wood. This book looks like it would be a great learning tool.
Should be a excellent read.
Count me in please.
Particularly interested in the walking sticks, getting to that age.
Dibs!
Well, now, this would be a nice addition to anyones library. Especially mine !!
Yet one more aspect of his hobby for me to pursue...
Thanks, I'd love to own this book.
I'd love to learn about bending in a more consistent way. I hope I'll get this book.
I need to learn much more, I recently tried to attempted to reform old coat hooks to their original shape-an oops situation
I'd love a copy. Bending is something I've always wanted to do, but need to find a method that doesn't require a ton of space or elaborate setup.
I have made shaker oval boxes as gifts. The boxes have always been well received.
Maybe this will help me to make the Shaker boxes that I've always wanted to try.
This is a book I could really use, I bend wood alot but not so much on purpose.
I want to start bending wood. This looks like the book for me.
Yes, looks like a great book. Send me the prize, asap? thanks, Ed
This is the book I was looking for!
A new book is always welcome in my library. I have never given a lot of thought to wood bending probably because I have no idea how to do it. With the knowledge from the book my mind will probably start to think about projects that include it.
As a Windsor Chair maker, I am always interested in learning more or newer ideas for bending wood for my chairs. This would really be a great addition to my library.
Thanks
Joe
I've been thinking about getting into Shaker box building.This would be a great way to start.
Timely offer! My daughter wants a round front bedroom cabinet. I was scratching my head wondering how to accomplish the task. I look forward to winning the book.
Count me in... love the simplicity and economy of materials in Shaker boxes.... and by bending wood saving time from carving/excavating out of solid wood for a myriad of other functions.
Cheers
Patrick
Any books on bending are a gift, I have only found using steam to bend timber to be most useful as boiling water only has effect while it is boiling and of course you have to use a straight grained timber without shakes. Those new shark hand steamers are good, there instant steam makers.
Comment
I have some experience on wood bending but only for strip woods by using a hot peice of pipe which I am sure this way is very easy to form a trip of wood . I would like to know more about bending specially the cold bending type .
Mehdi
Illipour
I found that laminating cedar strips around a 34 inch circular form was not as easy as I thought it would be. Building a steam tube is next..
I have steam bent red oak pieces for some chairs I made and have always wanted to try the shaker box!
Always willing to learn new woodworking skills.
I need this book to complete my X-wing fighter says my master Joda. A smart one he is.
I have just the place on my book shelf.
Looks like one of John Wilson's oval shaker boxes on the front. And for anyone who wants to take up the hobby of building oval boxes for money, gifts, or pleasure; just let me tell you that those things can be tricky. Oh, it's easy to build the box, but the devil is in the details. Getting those fingers to flow, getting a tight fit around the bottom and lid, getting the tacks to clinch without mangling anything--those are the tough parts.
I just tried wood bending for the first time using a series of thinly sliced veneers. It worked great but I'd still like to try my hand at steam bending. I tried a few weeks ago to bend wood into the shape of a number nine in order to inlay it (like Steve latta) and didn't have much success. Perhaps this book can offer some insight.
I've been thinking of adding steam bending to my repertoire. This looks like it might be the way to get started.
Being a newbie to hand tool woodworking and traditional woodworking methods I'd love to win this. I've done very little work with bent wood but would love to try it out.
Looks like an interesting book. I would love to give it a try.
makes a change from straight woodworking,
Wood bending has always intrigued me. Maybe the book will give me the courage to try.
Remember, life is like a piece of wood, you can complain about the knots or you can make them beautiful. Mike Slupinski.
My library has room for this one.
Life is short. Collect interesting books. Read fast! Am ready to gather some additional information on wood bending.
Would like to learn about this topic and the book would be great to get started.
Love working with wood, I' like to try bending. Draw my name.
Free Woodworking Book? Sign me up!
That could be fun to try! All of my work is square. LOL
Always room for another book I don't have time to read.
Remember the old bushel baskets? Bent wood. Sign me up.
I'd bend over backwards to get this book.
bending wood sounds like fun!
I'm bent on winning this book.
would love to bend a little wood prior to bending my elbow with satisfaction
Would love to have this book!!
A wood bending book would really help me in my woodworking business.
Shaker box is on my to do list and this book would help.
Interested in doing a wood bending project, the book would be a good reference.
This would be fine addition to my library.
With some difficulty I have been bending wood for years.
I think this book could make thing much easier!!
Bending wood is something that would take my wood working to another level. Ive done some in the past but some kind of instruction would be great! This book would give me the information I need to make beautiful pieces instead of one more piece for the fire place.
I'd bend over backwards to win this for my son
This looks like a great book I can think of a few projects I would like to try !
I have always wanted to build a project bending wood but afraid to try it outright.
Looks like an interesting book. I would love to learn more about this topic.
This would be a great tool to help me deepen my arsenal of woodworking abilities!
Bending wood opens a great range of new possibilities for woodworkers who want to push their design and building skills. This book might open the door.
Taunton titles are typically excellent. I expect this is as well. I could certainly use some bending pointers.
I am just starting to do some wood bending with thin laminates at also steam bending. This would be great.
Just what i've been looking for...
Onemore book increases the need to build one more bookcase.
I would like to win this book.
Hi, please consider my hat being in the ring. Joe
I would love to have this book in my library.
I would love to try wood bending.
I need all the help I can get with wood bending. This book would be a big help.
My wife says I should read more and spend less on tools. I'm not sure I trust her...
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