Steam bending wood

[monterey]

Before I get started, let me first say that I'm not planning on bending bow limbs.

I want to make some wood pressure strips for my new ASL rubber band form.  I'm thinking that in order to get a good fit running up the ramps that I should steam bend them to fit the riser shape (typical hill style riser).

So, what is a good choice of wood that will bend well and retain it's shape pretty well when bent with steam?

[Roy from Pa]

Osage comes to my mind. But if you make the form right..  Well, never mind....  

[PEARL DRUMS]

How thick of a strip are you needing? The right wood and the right cut of lumber will bend and form like a metal strap would, without breaking and without pre-shaping.

[Roy from Pa]

Aluminum straps ring a bell?

[monterey]

Not thinking straps, but rather strips that run from the tips of the form the full length and then are steam bent to follow up the ramps of the fades. They can be thinner somewhat in the  bend area but I want to maintain about 1/4" to 3/8" minimum thickness and they will have a crown to maintain even pressure.

[fujimo]

i did something similar Mike- but just laminated some thin lams together. i guess, put a finished bow on the form, some saran wrap, and then 4 thin lams or so, all glued up. and then wrap with the elastics- might even put extra layers on the back so that a crown can be achieved on the back, with a little trim up sanding!.

[wood carver 2]

I remember reading a magazine article where they were steam bending 5 inch thick osage planks to bend around a ships hull. The boards looked like wet noodles when they were pulled out of the steam box.
I think it would work for your application too.
Dave.

[Roy from Pa]

I thought I knew about what ya was yappen about, then ya lost me, so I'm not sure if it's me or if it's you, Monty.. LOL    

[monterey]

Oh, it's you, Roy!  Always You.  

[mikkekeswick]

Out of the common woods maple will work really well.

[monterey]

OK, maple it will be.

[Roy from Pa]

Ya want to use hard maple...

[monterey]

Ya, the hard stuff.  That oughta hold those poplar lams down.  

[passion for knowledge]

Red oak bends well with steam.

A rough rule of thumb for timing is 1 hour per 1 inch thick.

Steam bent wood can tend to spring back a bit when it's removed from the form. Something to be mindful of.

[monterey]

Thanks all.  I appreciate the excellent advice!