How to Steam Bend Red Oak for Wagon Building | Engels Coach Shop

How to steam bend 1 3/4" thick x 3 1/2" wide x 10' long red oak for a wagon axle hound. This is bending fresh, green lumber, instead of kiln dried. A wheelwright's job was not confined to just wheels, but also involved the complete undercarriage building process. Thanks for watching.

[@youiyoui9942]

This video deserves more views . Sublime craftsmanship

[@brettcrawford7457]

Imagine what you could learn off a “ good ol boy” like that. So cool Much admiration from Melbourne Australia.

[@jamesthomas788]

That bending press is one cool machine.

[@fredleonard1547]

Love to watch this guy making this old technology come to life.

[@joed1901]

I really appreciate the skill and patience it takes to bend these. I am just beginning to do some woodworking and finding your videos is an amazing find for me. Your courage to work around those straps Under strain is remarkable. Maybe Its because I’ve have worked on few car suspension springs that I get nervous when there are hydraulics and cables under stress.

[@joenet42567]

Very nice. You are truly a craftsman. I was more like Norm Abrhams, power tools ruled. Now I like to sit back and watch someone with real talent and experience do beautiful things with wood and metal. Keep the videos coming, I cant get enough. And thank you for taking the time to film and edit your trade.

[@Antipodean33]

Thats the difficulty, finding the correct amount for the over bend to allow for spring back. Excellent upload. I've never bent anything that thick, that was very impressive

[@rthavi4166]

Fantastic channel, learning a lot!

[@markgoddard2560]

I love these videos. It’s like a dose of calm professionalism on an island in a sea of chaos. It’s actually therapy! I live in England and there are a few artisan blacksmiths and carpenters but they don’t make things like this. There is no call for it. It would be really helpful and add to the enjoyment of these videos if you would be so kind as to explain what it is you are making and what it’s use is, because I have no idea on most of it! The articles you made for this video looked like giant horse holters or oxen yokes! I’m sure they weren’t but I’m none the wiser. Looking at your shop is a treat. How long have you been established there! You have every tool under the sun, antique machinery and tools to die for and I would have a real holiday just sitting by your forge watching you make a wagon. You should put in a viewing platform for your fans to come and watch. That would be an earner! I’m looking forward to your next job and my therapy session!

[@rtkville]

You sure do great work. I thank you for taking the time and effort to put these videos together because they give me great pleasure to watch and learn..

[@Mishn0]

Awesome. I find it so enjoyable to watch your work.

[@ShainAndrews]

Likewise.

[@stevenogborn5892]

You-tube doesn't have a love button, but you Sir. Master Engels are a badass.

[@TomLaios]

I love your warts and all videos.A sign of a true pro.Things don't always go to plan,but a master tradesman can always adapt and rectify.Keep the videos coming.

[@stevegraves4700]

I can't get enough of your videos, and greatly admire your skills. I wish I were a younger man, I would beg for the opportunity to apprentice with you. You are very skilled in a wide range of crafts, wood, blacksmithing, upholstery, amazing! Keep those videos coming.

[@BillB23]

I love your matter of fact narration. I imagine there were a few "aw shucks" or similar phrases uttered when the first one didn't work as planned. Nice video, nicer work!

[@adamcturnbull]

I was in awe watching such an unyielding hardwood being bent like it was willow !! Thanks so much

[@jeffclark2725]

That is some real pulling power, Keeping the wood straight as it goes, The stories that machine could tell, As Always another great video, 2022

[@fortsawdust8323]

I cannot believe the bend you were able to get out of that thickness! Thank you for this great video! That bend-pully contraption, it looks dangerous! But it reminds me of my grandpa's shop! We grew up around some pretty heavy machinery. Kids these days wouldn't know what to do in this great environment you have! Kudos!

[@donaldb3628]

A pleasure to watch a true craftsman at work!

[@winansworld8803]

Your skills at explaining what you do are superb. Great job of teaching.

[@ianrobinson1589]

Another awesome video - I didn't believe that you could make such a bend - have seen larger radius bends. Your skills are amazing Thanks for sharing

[@42lookc]

You truly are a Master woodworker. No wonder you were contracted to build the Borax wagons.

[@drmkiwi]

Better than the original! So, no truth to the saying "they don't make things like they used to". Very relaxing and informative. Cheers and thanks, David.

[@noel-ec4iy]

thank you for all your videos, rivetting viewing

[@huppscustom]

I do a lot of thick bending myself and still enjoy seeing how you do it. Nice jig machine you created there. Very versatile and jealous of it and how well you use it. Wish I had thought of it.

[@ron827]

It appears starting with quality wood is the key to success and may be difficult to find at times. The straightness of the grain was impressive. As I have said before, a person who makes his own tools is a "true" craftsman. Thanks for allowing us to witness what initially appeared to be impossible to do, bending an oak 2x4.

[@vernonland5987]

Love watching you, the years of experience really come through.

[@duanelundgren7985]

I really enjoyed that!! A couple thoughts... First, I'm glad I don't have to play HORSESHOE with those :-) And it seems to be true for both of us that Education and Experience are a never ending cycle or process! And spring-back... a force in many endeavors, metal working included. Thanks Again for another Friday treat!!!

[@travissorenson-hy9xb]

That brings back memories!

[@gerardjohnson2106]

Mr. Engel, I do believe that with your passion and attention for detail if you keep practicing your going to get good at that rolling stock trade (wainwright). :) You're gonna have people calling on you to do that kinda work for them. You are probably going to come to the point of making a fair living at it. I can also see you getting involved in this electronic Internet thing providing instructional and entertaining videos about a nearly lost craft trade. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise. It is amazing to see raw materials turned by your hands into a piece of practical functioning art. All the best to you and yours.

[@naturalmystics-kd9vt]

You are a nice work teacher That pass on your idea and knowledge

[@thequietworkshop3228]

Great video. Thanks for showing both bends, the way you fixed problems and the improvements you made.

[@lyndawilliams8434]

Fascinating. I love that this is out there for future craftsmen to watch and learn from a master

[@genegoodman5233]

Enjoyed watching you do your magic. Thanks stay safe

[@shopdave7489]

Another great video. I certainly admire the quality of the wood you are working with.

[@bruceyoung1343]

A lot of great information. Thank You. I have to bend 3/8 square oak. And I’ll imagine I’m bending a 2 x 4. Lol

[@wadestewart9891]

man what a awsome job bending oak that thick in one go ,must have been nerve racking. You know they look like the worlds largest stirrups LOL keep up the awsome work you do every day .

[@grandpadavehansen9037]

Very good video. Thank you.

[@farazin_choob]

مثل همیشه عالی عالی عالی روزگارتان بهاری باد دستانتان را از کیلومترها دورنر می بوسم ممنون از برنامه های خوبتان

[@petersmith5199]

A pleasure to watch true talent. Thank you for your time in sharing.

[@homemadehistory7537]

Very nice to see. I knew that it is posible to bend thin planks but never saw it with this thik and oak.

[@cyrilhudak4568]

Same here. If I didn't just see this; I wouldn't believe it.

[@messerist]

It's like Christmas morning everytime you post a new video!

[@dannyhughes4889]

Another Master Class.

[@ronmack1767]

Good day to you Sir. Enjoyed the video making the axle hounds. That steam bendind is really something. Thanks for making the videos. Take care and God bless.

[@wildrootsfarm1975]

Fascinating work - a great honor to see you work!

[@twoweary]

That's one cool (and well made) saw ! Nice video.

[@wellwisher5541]

Talented oldy... good job

[@theovaneeuwijk8698]

Love to see your work every time. It's great. Thank you. Can't wait to see the next video.👍🏼

[@52memor]

Superb.... Thanks from the UK

[@KE4YAL]

Great video 👍 always a pleasure to watch your videos thanks for sharing

[@jasonhubbard4448]

I have learned so much from watching you. I have built a few wagons myself. More on the buggy size. But still i am learning more every time. I watch a new video of yours. Have you ever built a cart for a single OX 🐂 ? if so i would appreciate eny advice that you could give me. Thanks !!!

[@GeneGladden]

The best therapy. Thank you Dr.

[@afazafshar9453]

Pleasure to watch, very informative.

[@rodneywroten2994]

I agree with Mr Ian Robinson your skills are amazing. looking forward to the next

[@davidharrison2967]

I truly enjoy watching thank you!

[@courtneyhall7140]

absolutely outstanding.

[@owenfletcher2997]

Love and look forward to all your videos! Owen

[@TrollFalcon]

This is incredible.

[@pethoviejo]

Yes, definitely keep the videos coming!

[@tboneproductions2453]

Phenomenal job. Thank you sir

[@johnthompson3462]

Fascinating,and a pleasure to watch

[@kiwdwks]

Awesome. Appreciate your expertise!

[@steamfan7147]

Excellent as always!

[@leegoldman7491]

Nerve wrecking...but exciting at the same time...thanks

[@DLCaster]

Masterful, as always.

[@normanmerrill1241]

Great job…thanks

[@Crewsy]

Axle hounds? I thought you were bending some yoke for a team of VERY BIG horses. 😂 Great video as always and I love the new intro and outro.

[@rickowens4397]

Thanks for sharing and including the glitches that happen in real life! A little off topic...What type is your table saw? Do I see double arbors??

[@arkansas1336]

Very nice! I really enjoy watching you practice your profession, thanks. ....13

[@ellsworth5841]

Mr Engel, what a treasure you are. Such wonderful craftsmanship. Extraordinary knowledge of wood, of your tools, of all the pieces. Your videos are a treat. I have many questions (as usual), but will limit myself to two: - What type of steel are you using for the bending strap? (I am just now, at nearly 60 yrs of age, beginning the dive into metal working and welding, so please pardon my ignorance. I'd like to know what I should ask for at my local metal supply house.) - Do you have drawings of your I-beam bending apparatus you'd be willing to share (for a fee)? or perhaps you could do an 'up close and personal' video showing more of the details (eg. how the platform is held in place when you move it up/down; how the cables routing platform is designed; location & alignment of the various pulleys; the 30x30 reduction mechanism; etc...) I'd like to build something similar, perhaps half that size??, and your design is so very well thought out. Thank you in advance!

[@johnralston5818]

excellent video !! GREAT JOB

[@Angl0sax0nknight]

Soundly impressed! Just started bending

[@stun9771]

Great work....👍🏻

[@Lawrence-gf3vc]

You are a master no doubt. How did you know that the springback on this bend would be an inch? Is that just experience or do you have a formula that you might care to share?

[@sethwarner2540]

I've always thought you had to move FAST between the steamer and bending form; but this proves if your bending device is strong enough, it will still work.

[@shannondixon6956]

I'm sure you've covered it, but I was wondering how thick your steel banding is? Great work! I love watching your videos.

[@gateway8833]

I was holding my breath when you put those clamps on your large bending fixture. Alls I could think was Man that’s a lot of energy stored in that wood, I sure hope it doesn’t spring forward.

[@hackneysaregreat]

Top job again!

[@Camboge]

Nice job

[@lamportnholt9509]

great program...doesn't mind showing his processes and recoveries.....one complaint..i don't have a clue what half the stuff he makes is used for...i mean what is an Axle Hound or a Wagon Tongue? Or a Wagon Felloe?....and are we going to see those Bob Sled Runners on the Bob Sled? after over a month of tuning in.....GOOD JOB THOUGH.........

[@alvarogarcia350]

ILove u wok mister master and profecional👏👍

[@williammiller9010]

Thanks for the great video. Was red oak selected for its steam bending flexibility? I know it does not weather as good as white oak, just curious. Thanks Mr. Engels

[@rolliekelly6783]

I don't know if the staining gives you any concern. If it does, have you tried putting shipping tape on the inside of the backing strap? Enjoyed the video, Rollie

[@rickbrandt9559]

Did you have a mentor to learn this trade? Great video as usual. 1st time practice, 2nd how to or lucky, 3rd time perfection, 4th production - how it works in the metal machining world.

[@byronbyron864]

I've also steam bent wood in the past... And I had a problem in bending a double back to back Bend in order to make the sleigh runners..... Have you any input on bending S-shaped sleigh runners .... & GREAT WORK Thank You

[@alansandom5057]

Did you do a completed video, great to see the bending but would live to have seen it in its finished state

[@macopeland1]

I get smarter every time I watch you.

[@rubengerardofernandezgarci2706]

Fenómeno de paisano..." se lo come todo..."

[@jgsotta]

Great video. If I may ask, is there a rule of thumb or some kind of calculation involved in figuring up the temperature/amount of steam/time in the steamer? Thanks, I'm subscribing!

[@tomjoseph1444]

Wonder if you lay waxed paper between the band and the wood, you could prevent the staining? I do this with black pipe clamps and it works.

[@ilikemake4443]

Good job!

[@zacharywilson4099]

Like your work I have one like that on my wagon gear just wondering on how much something like that would cost to get one rebuilt u do a great job

[@LouAdzima]

Great work. Was that air dried Red Oak?

[@jeffclark2725]

I noticed your wearing your heavy coat, does outside temperature effect the bending process, summer vs winter?

[@tomtruesdale6901]

Outstanding video. Just watching you bend that piece of oak was awesome. Do you find that Red Oak bends easier the White or are they about the same? White Oak is used more in boat building as the cellular structure is less tube like then Red Oak.

[@tomtruesdale6901]

Thank you for the reply.

[@ForgottenMan1]

Your videos are great. I find myself doubting you are going to pull it off, and stick around to be proven wrong, again! Two questions: 1) Do you find steaming with ammonia leaves enough residual ammonia to cause after-rusting when in later contact with iron or steel fittings? 2) And, was the darkening on the outer curve of the wagon hound due to the tannin in the wood, or from contact with the bending band?

[@JeanCapitaine]

thank you

[@andrewkanzler6492]

I bet you could use wax or parchment paper between the oak and the metal to prevent the blackening stains

[@MrPraotec]

Would you rebuilt 20" spoke wheels for Chevy pickup 1926. Have 2 pieces to do from original. Thank you.

[@skygh]

Thanks.