Bunker shelf final touches
Final touches on any project are often small, fiddly, frustrating and time consuming, but make a huge difference.
Bending wood to trim a curve is certainly all of those things – but well worth the attempt (and learning process) in the end.
As it turns out towards the end of this video, there’s a question for the audience…
Can you please adjudicate the conflict between Rosie and I as to the fate of my shield-wall arches.
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paint them black, then paint the mortar lines in a cream. …. this time nice and “Rosie” straight.
use a paint pen for the lines … easy way 😉
also, when bending wood. it is easy to snap unsupported wood.
so, if you make a mold, as per Peter Jackmans idea.
I would add that applying steam as you clamp, bend is also a good addition.
use the jet nozzle of the steamer to apply steam at the bend itself.
this keeps the wood moist and pliable for longer.
use more hands to do bending. it works better if you can apply pressure evenly along the timber
not clamping in one area, then another. this causes pressure build ups along the timber, instead of evening it out along the entire piece. so, breakage is more likely …. also, more hands mean more celebratorily drinks afterwards. always good for morale.
remember that line for Rosie … you are morale building!!!
Thank you Stephen, I appreciate your input.
Thanks for the wood-bending tips – very helpful. I will try again (one day) to see if they work.
Brian
Just had another thought Brian, the shed has been modified with your Labour, I have not heard you mention that you are on Rosie’s payroll and given that she has not seen the need for close supervision of your work I can only conclude that given the confidence in your ability to complete the capital works program in your workshop in all decency you should allow a little guidance to creep in ( I understand it is the 11th hour but…) and allow her to choose the colour scheme (you can always change it later) and besides you do wish to keep living don’t you?
After all you would not want to join the line of those who have tried an unsuccessful coup on she who must be obeyed.
Hi Peter. Yes, I do want to stay in the land of the living so I will give her a win on this occasion. But, I’ll give credit/blame you and everyone else who voted against me 🙂
Thank you for both your comments.
Cheers, Brian
Tanks for requesting an opinion Brian, personally from an aesthetic view (not to mention lighting) I would prefer to leave the ceiling woodwork aur natural so to speak. If you have black walls and ceiling they will soak up the light which will be needed to avoid intended mistakes, that is if the lighting is insufficient we will not be able to see your deliberate mistakes hence we will be unable to prevent you from making them.
Another way to bend the wood is to make a veneer with several thin strips, you could also make a press out of your template by retaining both male and female sections and clamp the steamed timber in position, this would ensure the bending moment is supported equally throughout the full length and pressure distributed evenly along the job.
Stand your ground mate, might and tight are on Rosie’s side, I do love a good war scene!!
Sorry Brian, you lose.
I know when I’m beaten (though loath to admit it).
I agree with Rosie, sorry Brian 🙂
Thanks Richard (he says sarcastically).