Bending Wood With Heat

You can easily make tight, permanent bends in thin pieces of wood simply by heating one side! Nick walks you through the technique as he demonstrates an ingenious fixture that serves as both a heat source and a bending form. This shopmade jig holds propane torch as it heats a short section of plumbing pipe. This, in turn, heats the board as you bend it.
The plans for this heat bending jig (and the measuring cup that Nick makes to demonstrate the technique) are available from the Workshop Companion General Store at: workshopcompanionstore.com/pr...
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For our non-English-speaking viewers: Closed captions can be set to any language. Click on “CC” (Closed Captions) at the bottom of the screen to turn them on. Click on the gear (Settings) and a menu appears. Click on “Subtitles/CC” and another menu will appear. Click on “Auto Translate” and a menu of languages will appear. Click on the language you want for the closed captions and you will be returned to the video -- closed captions will appear in the language you have chosen. If these captions cover up some of the action, place the cursor over the captions, press and hold the left mouse button, then drag the captions to where you want them on your screen. Release the mouse button and they’ll stay there.
Para nuestros espectadores que no hablan inglés: los subtítulos se pueden configurar en cualquier idioma. Haga clic en "CC" (Subtítulos) en la parte inferior de la pantalla para activarlos. Haga clic en el engranaje (Configuración) y aparecerá un menú. Haga clic en "Subtítulos/CC" y aparecerá otro menú. Haga clic en "Traducir automáticamente" y aparecerá un menú de idiomas. Haga clic en el idioma que desea para los subtítulos y volverá al video; los subtítulos aparecerán en el idioma que haya elegido. Si estos subtítulos cubren parte de la acción, coloque el cursor sobre los subtítulos, presione y mantenga presionado el botón izquierdo del mouse, luego arrastre los subtítulos a donde quiera que estén en su pantalla. Suelte los botones del mouse y permanecerán allí.
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And thank you so much for your time and interest!

[@greyspot00]

This is the best woodworking channel. Others are great, but his vibe is perfect. It's like your slightly dorky (but cool in his own way) uncle showing you things in his workshop.

[@MrNeverface]

Agreed. I treasure this channel and this man.

[@Guysm1l3y]

Really cool trick! One thing people should take note of: be wary of using galvanized pipe and getting it too hot. Metal fume fever is not a fun time.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Good point -- no, great point. I'm putting together a comment that will be pinned to the top of this video comment section, and I'll be sure to include this.

[@LitoGeorge]

@@WorkshopCompanion - if I may add to dealing with the fear of forge fever concerns: the galvanising effect can be removed by a commonly available household item: vinegar. Give the pipe a good soak in the vinegar for several hours/ days if required until it all just eaten off. 5% vinegar is just fine, it will just take a bit longer. Acid can be a wonderful thing.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

@@LitoGeorge Great tip; thanks. By the way, the propane torch keeps the pipe at 400 to 450 degrees F. The zinc oxide gas that causes "forge fever" or "metal fume fever" does not begin to form until the zinc reaches 392 degrees F, and does not form in great quantities until 787 degrees F, the melting point of the zinc coating. Vaporization occurs at about 1600 degrees F, within a few hundred degrees of the low end of welding temperatures. All of which is to say that at the (comparatively) low temperatures needed for this wood bending technique to work, this is something that can be dealt with with good ventilation as well as vinegar. Or, you could just buy black (uncoated) pipe and fittings and not have to worry at all.

[@jimbayler4277]

@@WorkshopCompanion: Use Black Pipe, like what's used for gas lines.

[@Grunttamer]

leave the vinegar in the kitchen and get some muriatic acid@@LitoGeorge

[@dcmirk]

I love this guy. He's easily my favorite woodworker on KZbin.

[@robotsongs]

No love for twoodfrd?

[@stefanandersson9616]

Mine too. Could'nt help start thinking of a torch from burning wood (a fan? what about the smoke? and so on...).

[@professor62]

Nick, every time I watch one of your vids, this retired professor comes away with one overarching thought about you: “The man is frickin brilliant!” 😉

[@WorkshopCompanion]

I'll be sure to let my wife know. She has a somewhat different opinion...most days.

[@mellissadalby1402]

Extra bonus points for the doggie with the paw. My dog does that to me too!

[@MariusRiley]

: I'm not a serious woodworker/craftsman, but I am a serious math and science nerd. And I gotta say that this is an amazing video, colossally informative and also easy to understand. I mean for serious. Very way, sir.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for saying.

[@nomadben]

There are few things in life that are more satisfying than a truly great teacher. Thank you Nick!

[@daydaymarceaux]

I love this guy's videos so much. He explains everything in a way that it's so understandable. And he goes into detail of what he's actually doing

[@scottstark1867]

I'm still fairly new in my woodworking journey and watch several KZbin channels devoted to the craft. You, sir, share tips, tricks, and techniques that I've never seen elsewhere that unfailingly leave my mouth agape. Bravo.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for saying.

[@brentjenkinsdesigns]

Hey Nick. Thank you for your kind and thorough diligence in order to bring further educational & inspiring ideas to the rest of us. I never fail to learn from you. Thank you kindly. 😊

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@JoJo-cy4tb]

why do i get favorite/most memorable high school teacher vibes from this individual

[@clubbedsandwich1128]

I subscribed to this channel from watching the shorts, and this is the first time watching a full video. That introduction with the South Park art made me chuckle lol

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Welcome.

[@user-mc1rp5mp9l]

Hi nick, I watch your video on bending timber, after my brother asked me to build a ukulele from a kit he had purchased, realising he needed a “shit load “ of tools to build it as he put it. I’ve also just been made aware you have worked at shopsmith. My granddad had a shopsmith woodworking machine back in the 1950’s which I spent many hours building stuff. Love your work.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@svartholstjornuson6215]

I stumbled across your channel, by chance, and it's incredible. Unquestionably great work, dude. Clear angles while filming, with concise descriptions of the steps required-along with other reasons-make these excellent videos very approachable.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@robertaylor9218]

Another wonderful woodworking tip from my favorite tinker gnome😉

[@Israfel36]

You are a talent desperately needed in this weird time. This was great.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@gregwright2059]

Loooove the content especially the animated Nick in the intro lol

[@Albylion]

I am in no way a woodworker, not even a hobbyist. But this is probably one of the top five people I respect and admire.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for the kid words.

[@jawn137]

Rad. Everyone needs a dad like you

[@wimvandenbosch6657]

Being a mechanical engineer, I am a very rough wood worker 😢. Watching a master applying and sharing his skills is really great. Simple to the point instructions really help my understanding of this subject. Thank you.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@krummiesfamily6469]

I wish Nick could be the instructor for everything I learn...

[@MasatoKay]

Recently found your channel, thank the lord I did

[@chainchompDX]

I'd just like to say thanks for helping me improve my craft. Always love learnin something new.

[@kcg3927]

Great content... I wish you had been my shop teacher. But we could have been in class together...lol

[@terryflynn9350]

What a lovely concise descriptive video.and a very attentive dog.

[@rifficide]

I'd love to see a series of videos of Nick showing us how to make that dulcimer.

[@JokersVsZombies]

I want to hug this guy

[@J-D248]

😍 Love the dog!! So cute!

[@Jack-es9xq]

not something I'll ever use but it was a pleasure watching it explained.

[@jimp7015]

You, sir, are amazing. Once again you've demonstrated a technique that seems to be beyond every other woodworking channel. And thoroughly and clearly explained, as usual.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@mrpoulton7253]

Thank you for adding metric in your videos.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

How could we not? Two-thirds of our global audience thinks in meters.

[@sebakrol3433]

what a lovely assistant

[@tobymaltby6036]

Bella deserves her own show !!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

So she keeps telling me.

[@ColonelPanic007]

That dog adores you!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

It's mutual.

[@ogreunderbridge5204]

This is without doubt the best ever wood shop class lesson I ever got to so far ! Your pdf shop looks very nice too. I will spend some time here :))

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Make yourself comfortable.

[@Jherrild]

You can tell he's a pro at roughly 4:30 based on the repetitive facial movements he makes while focusing on the wood bending. Every really skilled artisan I've watched work has a 'flow face' that they make when they're focusing- I assume because they're so focused/engrossed in their work that they stop paying attention to their facial muscles 🤣

[@murphyjay9084]

great job. youre the best wood scientist!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks. But think there are easily a couple of hundred folks at the U.S. Forest Products Laboratories that deserve that title more then me.

[@ArchEdge]

"I NEED A SCOOP!" ..... says every woodworker who just wants to try bending wood 🤣

[@anonymousaccordionist3326]

I was thinking of making a door harp using this method.

[@liquidrockaquatics3900]

Dog food scoop!

[@jethropebs]

As always, you've done another amazing instructional video Nick! This is among my most favorite channels on youtube and I thank you for the amazing content!

[@alexandrcifer76]

You, sir, are amazing.

[@Charlielizard]

Excellent video! Love your patience and attention to details which you hand over to us. Brilliant woodworker and teacher. Thank you so very much. 👍🏼✌🏼

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@chrisp7957]

Good info. Pet Travis more. Thanks

[@WorkshopCompanion]

I think Travis would object to that -- he's the genus behind the camera. Bella is my canine co-star.

[@chrisp7957]

@@WorkshopCompanion lol tell Travis I said sorry and pat that dog on the head next video. You made me laugh, thanks

[@garrybooker]

Wow, I learned a lot in this video. I was thinking I needed to build a stream box, but this seems really straightforward. Definitely worth a subscribe!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks...and welcome.

[@alanpowell24]

My favourite mad Professor!

[@raydriver7300]

Thank you Nick and Bella 🌞

[@kadaverf]

I think you are a really good teacher. All the best from Holland Max

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks from Ohio.

[@TheMid-KnightRider]

Kudos to you, sir. You are a humble yet formidable "Master Craftsman" with a treasure trove of knowledge as well as being a remarkably succinct and concise educator. Much appreciation, mate. 👍😎

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for th kinds words.

[@e.h.9990]

Great video and great presentation! Even the adorable dog can‘t resist watching and listening closely!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@erichblosch8387]

Cool stuff to learn. But I like the dog appearing from time to time. Wonderful companion❤

[@shar935]

I love the hammer trick at the end... very coooool.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@Skoden_lures]

Great video. I love your bending iron design. I am a Luthier and I use this technique as well. I do the sides in a Fox side bending machine and any fine tuning is done on the bending pipe. For smaller instruments, the pipe is all that I use. I'm glad I found your channel.

[@kilmorequay]

Love your workshop

[@henrysara7716]

Thank you Nick. Big fan of your books here. Keep it up.

[@TheMarbo74]

Great video. I would recommend attaching a thermocouple with a small display on the pipe to get repeatable temperatures. Cheers!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

I just use an infrared thermometer. Stuff on the pipe can get in the way.

[@dswiss2103]

Best woodworking channel going. So much knowledge, no clickbait. Keep it up.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

That's the plan.

[@bastiangallegowilliams7080]

thanks for sharing the ways of the wood, greetings from Chile

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome from Ohio.

[@VVVidmO]

Stumbled in here on accident. But hell i have no bloody clue bout wood working and yet ya had my attention all the way. Great stuff my good man.

[@johnford7847]

Excellent, Nick. Thank you very much.

[@rogerstrom1186]

THAT'S A NICE DOG. HE THINKS YOU ARE CRAZY.

[@Beakerzor]

thanks for giving us the scoop!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

You're welcome. And I'm sure you can show yourself out...;-)

[@eliseveldt]

just discovered your channel. love it

[@bronconisto710]

I’m glad I found your channel 🎉 love the dog

[@stevehousden2699]

First one of yours I've seen. FANTASTIC!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@MCsCreations]

Awesome, Nick! Thanks a bunch for the tutorial! 😃 I'm definitely going to try it at some point! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@TadTheTinker]

Very useful info here!

[@Crusader1089]

I find these videos so relaxing. I'm interested in wood working but not a hobbyist, but its really nice to just listen to expert experience

[@christianwithers7335]

Amazing. One of the best woodworking channels on YT you also bring a different slant in a saturated market, but 5/21 of a litre 🤔🤓😵 I have never heard anyone use fractions with metric! I thought Americans would say fluid ounces (US fluid ounces at that) 🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@christianwithers7335]

Ahh you use 238 ml as the closest to a US half pint !!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

@@christianwithers7335 We call it a "cup." Here in the States, it is the most commonly used measurement of volume for cooking and baking.

[@dougaltolan3017]

Converting a cup to metric and humourosly missing the point... True comedy genius.

[@-OokySpooky-]

I love your videos. You make wood working fun and your editing is a notch above anyone else, its like a workshop version of Bill Nye the Science Guy. Thank you for helping me get into wood working more!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@sral128]

Thanks for your superior content 🙏

[@ianking-jv4hg]

..and thank you for your tuition.

[@bruce-le-smith]

exceptional content, thank you for sharing

[@user-mi5pv7no3v]

I found more info than i was looking for, learned more too, thank you.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@vinwillcock612]

Brilliant video

[@peterszutu555]

Very good instructions. I have viewed a KZbin video where the luthier had built a mold, positive and negative, that had heat source. He stuck in a piece and voilà one side of the guitar is formed.

[@frankhill9527]

Very informative video, this was very educational.

[@SharpenedEyes]

Dude, your channel is incredible!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for pointing that out.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@bg8fairpoint610]

Great attitude great instruction education and entertainment even for a non woodworker thank you

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@krenwregget7667]

I don't do much wood bending, but this is a very clever, inexpensive jig to make if I wanted to. Thanks Nick!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@quirtdrozario856]

Thank you for this.

[@Dahkeus3]

Love the hammer flip at the end. I had to pause and rewind before I saw how you pulled that off, haha!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

During my misspent youth, I learned gun acrobatics with a Colt Peacemaker replica -- the hammer is balanced the same way.

[@Dahkeus3]

@@WorkshopCompanion Haha, that’s awesome!

[@sapelesteve]

Nice done & demonstrated Nick! I made an Acoustic guitar & had to bend the sides using the steam technique. Really big learning curve on that one! Give Bella a big pat on the head for me! 👍👍🐶🐶

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Good edit

[@mindseyeproductions8798]

Wow; what an awesome instruction; earned a subscriber.

[@RasaCartaMagna]

Ojisan, that hammer spin was almost as smooth as your woodbending

[@ahorton6786]

Excellent!

[@brushmasterspaintingfranchise]

if all your videos are like this you are an amazing human. like the best uncle or grandpop to live. Thank you

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@onehandedmaker]

A joy to watch your videos. I admire your imagination to keep coming up with great ideas and sharing your passion for woodwork. Well done. One Handed Maker - Australia

[@ConstantinePreston]

If you were never a teacher... you should have been! A truly excellent video! Many thanks.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Spent many years teaching wood as an engineering material at the University of Cincinnati. Most welcome.

[@skeggiskjeldarson6639]

Thanks for the uploading👍Much appreciated.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@cocoxcocoa]

Wow, this is exactly what iv been needing to see! I have had a design iv been wanting to make for years that involves a tight 1.5" bent radius, and the only thing iv been able to find online about bending wood is lamination or steam bending.

[@glencrandall7051]

Well told Nick. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.🙂🙂

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Same to you and yours.

[@MASI_forging]

How awesome. 👏👏

[@schnooleheletteletto]

0:43 Dog is like "Wow this guy literally wants to talk to himself rather than give me attention"

[@justinnewman13]

This is a fantastic presentation. You should be a professor, if you aren’t already

[@WorkshopCompanion]

University of Cincinnati. Taught Wood as an Engineering Material and craftsmanship.

[@fauseth]

I love this guy.

[@georgeksirakis8898]

Thank you for this explanation, God bless you

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@chris-C8]

Hi Nick, thank you for the incredibly detailed videos. I've learned so much by watching your channel. Could you do a video detailing the best method for joining a "waterfall" countertop using relatively inexpensive methods? I want to use a dowel joint or mortise and tenon, but I need to figure out how to translate these techniques to wood cut at a 45-degree angle. Perhaps I'm overthinking things because I've yet to work on joining angled cuts. Thanks again!

[@buosif]

This is what brings freshness to youtube content. He blends tech, didatics and mastery of the vintage art of woodworking. Well done good sir for the top tier content, keep it up!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@lesblack413]

Well done Nick. Always a pleasure to watch your videos and get your tips. I also love the expression on the Bella's face. She seems to be hanging on to every word you speak. Reminds me of a song I've heard: "I wish I was half as good as my dog thinks I am." Cheers from the Sunshine Coast of Queensland in Australia.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Ah, the home of the kelpies. Cheers back from the banks of the Stillwater River in Ohio, where I have the only kelpie for miles around.

[@BM-yy8db]

I'm very happy I subbed to you when a few of your YT Shorts landed in my recommended videos a while ago. Really good stuff!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for saying.