Replies

1. 
   tom77 | May 13, 2010 09:22am | #1

   curved slats

   Hi, Joe,

   I don't have enough information to completely answer your question.  But, the thickness of the slats will make steam bending fairly difficult.  The "rule of thumb" for steam bending is to steam for one hour per inch of thickness.  So, a 1/2" slat would require 30 minutes of steaming.  That in itself is not a big problem, but the slat will still require a fair amount of force to bend after steaming.  You will need a bending jig and a clamping jig to hold the shape while it cools and stabilizes.  (probably 12 to 24 hours)  You may also require a bending strap to prevent outer fibers from splitting out during bending.

   If your slat is simply a segment of an arc, say 90 degrees, then it might be possible to just cut the arcs out of solid wood.  It depends on the radius of curvature and length of your slat.  I would suggest making a template and overlaying it over your hardwood to see how the grain runs.  Avoid grain running directly across the slat.  If the grain is about 45 degrees to tangent to the template, it should work well.

   There is another alternative:  bent lamination.  This process produces consistently shaped parts which are very strong.  The grain always runs along the shape of the part.  It does require a bending form and resawing.  It also requires a glue that is creep resistant, such as urea formaldehyde (plastic resin) glues.

   In my opinion, the choice is between solid wood slats or bent lamination.  Both of these processes produce a slat that will hold its shape predictably and over time.  Steam bent slats should be restrained in the product in order to achieve a consistent shape.

   I hope this helps.  Good luck, Tom.

1. 
   Joe Sullivan | May 13, 2010 10:51pm | #3

   Thanks to both

   for the good advice.  I will look hard at lamination.  The form wouldn't e hard to make.

   Joe

2. 
   Jfrostjr | May 13, 2010 12:35pm | #2

   Steamed or ?
   May I suggest laminated? Simply make a form of 3/4" plywood, laid up to the width of your slats. Cut laminations to 1/8', glue and clamp them to your form. With 5 lams there will be NO spring back.

   Frosty

3. 
   Woodbender17540 | May 15, 2010 04:03pm | #4

   Sawn or bent?

   Laminating and steam bending are both good ways to go for this. From my perspective steam bending would definately be easier, as I could use existing equipment. Steam bending becomes more practical with repeated use. I would be glad to look at a drawing if you need help on this.

4. 
   AZMO | May 15, 2010 05:09pm | #5

   Joe, Congrats on the legacy to arrive! Grandkids are the best, I tell ya they make you smile every every day. 

   I have a different take on cradles and cribs and changing tables and such. They only get used for a short time and they outgrow them. Cradles esp will only be used for 6 months, and unless you own a mini storage place, you should consider what happens after wards and the space is needed for something else. I have two sons and one grandchild and I don't expect to have many more. My take, build one and keep it simple if you won't be hanging onto it for a long time. I would saw mine out, and template router the shape. I have some 30 year old chairs from Ethan Allen that have sawn legs from a glue up. Seem to hold up just fine.

   Now when it ocmes to jewelry cabinet or small chair, or toy. I would go for the gusto here. It is easy to store, reuse, and to cherish and keep.

   later and congrats! Morgan

1. 
   purduedan | May 16, 2010 07:50pm | #6

   I would choose steam bending.  Walnut steam bends well.  The tightest radius would be around 2" for a 1/2" thick piece, which I am sure is a lot smaller than you need.  There is a learning curve.  You will most likely need a bending strap to keep the wood fibers from pulling appart on the outside of the bend.