STEAM BENDING

Using the bodging process, prepare a piece of ash 1.3m (52in) long by 40mm (1 1/2in) X 30mm (1 1/4in). The steam bending equipment is basically a boiler to give a head of steam, with a rubber pipe going to a steaming chest about 2.1m (7ft) long, with a hinged door at one end.
Get the head of steam up; put two or three lengths into the steamer (allow for mishaps) and leave for 1 1/4 hours.
The former is your seat. Secure it well to a bench, and have sash cramps or rope ready. Whip the wood out of the steamer (remember to wear gloves) and bend it around the former. You've got a couple of minutes in which to secure it round with cramps. Then leave it to cool. The comb also needs to be steam bent with a shallow curve.
Drill the curved arm and comb, using a 40mm (1 1/2in) bit on the comb at a depth of 25mm (1in) and 20mm (3/4in) bit on arms, with holes going through. Use the same method as on the seat for sight lines, with a drilling angle of 8 degrees.

                             

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