My Top 10 Reasons Why Steam Bending Wood Fails | Engels Coach Shop

[@Thomas..Anderson]

1. Not using deciduous trees. 2:42 Add.: Fresh green or air dried wood bends best. 2. Not using straight grain. 8:34 Add.: Use wood with less than 1" grain run-out per 12". 3. Not enough water in your system. 9;20 Add.: Use fresh water 4. Not using enough heat. 11:22 5. Not using a surfactant. 12:04 Add.: Ammonia is commonly used. 6. Not using a good steam box. 12:35 Add.: Not made from wood. 7. Not using pressure. 13:23 Add.: 260°F, 3-4 psi. 8. Not using a support band. 13:56 Add.: Green lumber need 1 hour of steaming per inch of thickness. Kiln dried double that. 9. Not containing the lumber. 15:50 Add.: Wood bending is compression. 10. Not having enough power. 16:24 Add.: Eat spinach!

[@KayakingVince]

Thank you for this, very useful

[@summerwind4590]

I guess I will have to break a few of these but I think just adding more time for the oak I mean to give a camber to. Thank you

[@kenjimac2211]

Whenever I am getting stressed with the news of the world, I can count on your videos to calm my soul. Thanks Dave 😊

[@hitenmistry3479]

So true. World is full of stress but Dave is amazing at showing the world how to keep calm and drive on. God bless him and his family

[@RandyK1ng]

This is more important than the subject matter at hand.

[@EngelsCoachShop]

Glad to hear they are helpful. Be strong through this all everyone.

[@travisbosquez3196]

I so agree

[@lionelaustin5523]

you all probably dont give a damn but does someone know a trick to log back into an Instagram account?? I was stupid lost my password. I would love any help you can give me!

[@jacklouth3227]

I am a new viewer and 86-year-old amateur woodworker. Since my retirement at 82 I have focused exclusively on Windsor chairs (6 chairs so far) and small period reproductions. Thank you for teaching me details that will help in my current Windsor (#7). My great uncle was a wheelwright in Delaware County, PA and I am interested in your exceptional skill and the craft. Thanks for your help and craftsmanship.

[@rkarins3825]

One of the few channels that I watch the video, from start to finish, without skipping ahead.

[@jakleo337]

Or speeding up, replaying at 1.5.

[@ПоследнийИван]

👍 I know little English. This respected person's channel is one of the most exciting. Happiness learns from a good master. (Sorry for my English) Hi from Russia🤝

[@craigpadley3535]

Whether you meant it to teach or not Dave, I've learned hell of a lot from you. Many thanks Steve, Nottingham England.

[@davidharris6581]

You wouldn't happen to be the Sheriff would you? :)

[@EngelsCoachShop]

Thanks Steve.

[@craigpadley3535]

Thankyou, my grandfather came from hucknall, just near to rolls Royce but he was a coalminer we all were. I live up in Sutton in ashfield, Mansfield about 8miles from hucknall, wheelwrights are thin on the ground now. So enjoy watching Engels coach and learning.

[@craigpadley3535]

And no David sorry I'm not the sherrif but I do live in what was part of Sherwood forest before it was cleared. I live about 3 miles from the trees now.

[@robertl.fallin7062]

@@davidharris6581 Good one!

[@truderenken3248]

71 year old woman, and I have no intention of ever fabricating wood wheels, but your methods are going to be useful someday, for something ~ thank you from the bottom of my heart!

[@wakefieldyorkshire]

A masterclass from a master. I personally will never need to do this, but knowledge doesn't weigh anything. THANK YOU.

[@michaelevelyn1607]

Watching Dave work is about the most relaxing and satisfying time spent, for me. His discipline, attention to detail, his pedantic approach are highly commendable. He is an inspiration. I truly envy his skills. Also, working alone, his hand-eye coordination is flawless. Keep on coaching, Dave. The vast array and amount of tools he has collected looks priceless. I love the way he handles his tools. I omitted to mention the exceptional camera work. It seems Dave is operating the camera remotely, with his thoughts. His apparent boundless energy has to be seen to be believed. Are you going to be mentoring someone to succeed you, Dave?

[@adrianu5481]

One thing that stands out in all your videos is that you work at a measured pace. That is always the mark of a real craftsman.

[@secretsquirrel6308]

Mr. Engels reminds me of 'move half as fast, get twice as much done'. This is a mark of a master craftsman. Not starts and stops, simply constant motion but as you say, a measured pace.

[@PilotMcbride]

Ha! Your steamer uses the same fuel as my computer 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣. I can remember way back in my preteens days we would visit my granddad’s cousin, a WW1 veteran. He and a few others, on return from the war, set themselves up in what was a secluded area near our town because they needed regular medical attention and they absolutely hated other people. We were family and accepted. These guys would build and repair klinker built rowing boats for themselves and family. Hey used an open fire and down pipe as their “steamer” or wood condition to bend the ribs and slats, they were poetry in motion to watch them work ever so lazily. They didn’t move much or seem to do anything at all, but got a lot done with minimum fuss. None of their homes had running water or electricity, but they were as happy as pigs in .... Sad thing is, they passed within the same month. Anyway, great video Mr Engles, thank you for sharing,again you brought back memories of a bygone era.

[@EngelsCoachShop]

Thanks for your nice memories.

[@tybrady4598]

Excellent video! I first thought it would be obvious ideas, but no, not obvious ideas, ingenious ideas that work and make sense. Thanks for sharing!

[@rickbrandt9559]

Like how you have shown that "patience" is key to most any Job!!!!!!!!! Thank You..

[@ericzimmerman7524]

Great teachers cannot be created by their own desire to pass on knowledge to others, but are created by those who seek to gain the knowledge they hold. The lack of intention on your part does not lessen what you have created, but elevated it to something greater than your desire to demonstrate your art. You are helping fill the void people have being surrounded by a disposable society and helping insure that your craft will continue. Thank you.

[@axerxes3981]

I just happened across your delightful video by accident. But it's always a pleasure to watch a craftsman at work!! Thanks for sharing....and best wishes..... Ax

[@classicstangbrn8964]

I'm a metal guy but I enjoy the heck out of how you build things, thanks

[@EngelsCoachShop]

Oh another Stang buff. We have a 65.

[@arturoherrera629]

Muchísimas gracias eres un verdadero maestro del doblado de madera tengo 54 años como carpintero y eres el primero del que aprendo en verdad algo coerente y lógico del doblado te doy las gracias de corazon

[@tomtruesdale6901]

Another great video and I learned why the keel runners on my wooden jon boat failed after I tried to steam bend em, used pine.

[@brewbuilds]

Thank you for sharing this video. no fancy editing or gimmicks, just straight up knowledge. This is what KZbin is for. I'm just now beginning my journey in steam bending and this helped me out a ton. Now, I don't have nearly as cool of a setup as you, but I think I can take your pointers and make do with my piece together setup, and better my chances.( I've already created a pile of mistakes) and your video pin pointed a lot of the reasons for that! 😂 Again thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge I truly appreciate it!👍🏻

[@Norm475]

I am 78 years old and I can't tell you the pleasure I get out of watching a true craftsman work.

[@trumpetflowerII]

Whenever I see methodologies such as you have exhibited, I'm reminded of the great numbers of people from Europe who went to the USA in search of a new life. All the skills and knowledge seem to have remained throughout the US; for that, many in all industries are very glad. But also, where there is compression on the inner radius, there is stretching on the outer radius. Additionally, if you are correct in stating that coniferous timbers do not bend with steam if anything, it will be because of their cellular structure and tendency to rupture. Great thanks for taking many through a tour back in time.

[@duanelundgren7985]

Repetition is a valid form of learning, too! I loved it!! Looks like the possibility of some new wheel hubs in the background... and the Baileigh dust collector, that looks new, too!! LIFE GOES ON!! Thanks, Mr. Dave!!!!

[@EngelsCoachShop]

Yes, hubs maybe 10 years down the road. They'll make it , but not sure I will.

[@fredbright2096]

Of all the places on the internet, your's is without a doubt the most interesting and informative I have ever visited. Your methods remind me of my father, a 50 year machinist/toolmaker. Though your tools and materials may be different, your attitude and attention to your craft are the same. People who work with their hands and make THINGS, has always intrigued me, whether a carpenter, or a wheelwright. Thanks Dave, for the time and effort you take to let us watch you work.

[@EngelsCoachShop]

Thank you Fred.

[@hoodooguru1450]

I really enjoyed this video, great editing and delivery of the information. It reminds me of watching "Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom" when I was a kid! Keep up the good work.

[@richmondpattonprehn4383]

Very interesting to see how wood is steam bent for carriages in Montana. Thank you so much. My experience is with commercial wooden fishing boats on the Pacific coast, a great many of which were built out of Douglas Fir, or out of one of the several local cedars. And yes, planking was often steamed in wooden boxes and bent to the curves of the hull. I grant you, the bends were nothing so acute as what you are doing in Montana -trying that with fir would scare the bazeesus out of me - but..., never the less, an awful lot of soft wood got steamed in wooden boxes and successfully bent to the graceful curves of a boat, here in Puget Sound country. Keep up the wonderful videos; you are a great teacher.

[@نجمالسماء-ع8ر]

Hello my name is Alaa and I am from Iraq I loved your program and I am very impressed with your experience. Connect with your business. I wish you health and safety, God willing.

[@robertoswalt319]

When I was a kid a lot of my friends tried to make water skis but they never had any success. Now I know why. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.

[@merlincovlin4377]

My dad was a woodworker but i never stream bent wood and i always found this real fascinating!!

[@kevingaddis7276]

Sr. When I was a kid, along time ago we heated whit coal. I had forgotten what it smelled like till I saw your video. Thank you for taken me back home.

[@captainhgreen]

If one doesn't figure out why something failed then progress and learning stops. Great video. Thanks

[@chuckthebull]

The interesting little tid bit that makes all the difference in my mind was the knowledge of tree types and that bending wood is compressed not stretched. Plus This will make me look at the process with an understanding that will dictate the methods I use and the success I achieve. Plus the temperature and pressure. You are a great teacher despite trying to be one or not. Cheers

[@yossiderecheven6322]

I learn a lot from watching your videos and I thank you for sharing the knowledge, I really appreciate it.

[@zorroonmilkavitch1840]

wow what a great individual someone who's been through the mail and back and is willing to save Mankind from the grief that he suffered through I mean come on the man is continuing the world onto its path through education there is no greater Endeavor then this what a great individual

[@aerosmith59983]

Wow, that was quite the lesson. I am impressed with your setup, obviously as you stated it took trial and error. You have a new fan.

[@Sleddogracer]

my failures pretty much had all 10 reasons to fail - lol - love your videos

[@xXJasonardoXx]

By far the the most info on steam bending I have seen in one video. You sir are a master.

[@maggs131]

Might be weird of me but I bet your shop smells heavenly after all that cutting and routering.

[@tpniefer]

Not weird at all, Maggs. When my wife visits my shop that's the first thing she always comments on.

[@Mishn0]

Unless it's oak. I think oak smells sour.

[@maggs131]

@@Mishn0 oak does have a rumpy smell lol. Cedar smells nice from a distance but its deadly when working or sanding it

[@StanislavG.]

@Scott Page USMC concrete smells like urine to me for some reason :)) But then again, some people absolutely hate the smell of metal grinding. Also, if you were spending a lot of your childhood in a countryside as me, chicken crap probably smells nice to you too :)

[@joshjenkinson1929]

Wood in general I’ve found to smell nice. Elm is a bit of a stinker, mind.

[@jeffclark2725]

Still amazed at him being a one person operation and making great progress on each project , Start to finish

[@oldschool6345]

Call it unintended fortune. You may have never intended to educate but you sure have. I have mentioned before about protecting your library. I would even go so far as to say the whole of your body of work in video could be used as educational material. You explain yourself well, explain what you show well. On top of that you're a pleasure to watch as you work. Directly, efficiently with real genuine craftsmanship. Very hard to find what you have created. Thanks for sharing

[@arnhemseptember2009]

Priceless advice again. Love to see your expert routine you have developped over the years.

[@davidadaur5163]

What a great video. I have never bent steamed wood but I think when I try your tips will be a great help. Thank You. David

[@pontoonrob7948]

I love these videos. I also think its great how you are documenting a trade that may disappear some day. It's funny though, I find myself pausing gunsmoke reruns and such. Not to look at pretty girls or neat guns or scenery, but to check out the wagons and buggys. Looking for brake pads and hubs, trying to remember the name of each part...

[@BhayiCetywa-lo6jq]

Summer please

[@colm7837]

Thanks for the video, eye opening, i had no idea about the temperature , must get a thermometer. no idea about the pressure either, think i might soak my oak lenghts for a while, had not consider killen dryed being an issue. Thanks again, love the scenery in the intro 👍

[@datampajoohan6895]

Hi, I'm very happy to learn from an experienced craftsman like you. Thank you

[@barryduckworth5224]

Thanks again for taking the time to explain what you're doing and why. I may never make or repair a wagon wheel, but I've seen you do several things I can apply to other things.

[@keithhunter3499]

A pleasure to watch a proper craftsman,thank you 👍🇬🇧

[@TheAndyJBall]

the skills of any person os to make a simple 'mundane' task interesting. and you sure can do this Dave. This reflects your knowledge and experience fully, a real artisan doing what he loves. another winner Dave, thanks

[@rushd45]

Love it - he even shows us how to sweep the floor! It's all part of the process.

[@Crewsy]

Yes. The sweeping technique that is studied by thousands of people who desire to be half the sweeper that Dave is.

[@gordtemple764]

I often find the person sweeping up is the boss

[@dnomyarnostaw]

A terrific contribution to the University of KZbin. Well done. PS - I just referenced this channel, in a wooden boat building channel, called Acorn To Arabella, that are removing failed Cedar Planks that broke after steaming. Cedar is coniferous. And their bending techniques were quite basic. Interesting.

[@paulelliott2651]

So excited! I couldn't get to your store fast enough! The Borax wagon is art and now I get to wear it. Love your channel and believe you are a true American badass! Thank you, Dave!

[@glenn9229]

Thanks Dave, I really appreciate the tips. I'm just about to dip my toe into steam bending and your wonderful videos have given me a lot more confidence to give this a go (and no doubt saved my wallet from some pain) . Thanks so much for your valuable time and knowledge.

[@johngray8606]

Hola Dave, great video as always. Each time I watch your videos I can count on learning something new. Many thanks from an old Scotsman spending his last years in Argentina. 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@tpniefer]

Great stuff, Dave. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. So many things are quickly passing into lost arts.

[@FrBobLaceySD]

Thanks for keeping this topic alive!

[@tonyrum5808]

Thank you for all that you do. You simply make it look so easy and it is not!

[@keithbrowning3899]

I have passed your video on to the Acorn to Arabella boatbuilders who have had major problems trying to bend Cedar - it just kept cracking and they eventually abandoned and gone back to oak.

[@jakleo337]

Stephens advise giving skills are great Taking is another story. Great channel and content nonetheless.

[@BigKatz]

This man is a genius. This video is better than “master class.”

[@sjp52047]

Well said. I've seen people try to steam bend on youtube without metal bracing, and were surprised when it didn't work. Back when I was doing this in my woodshop, II used a 6" PVC pipe with screw plugs on the end to get the temp up and the pressure that was needed. Eventually I drilled a steam vent in one end for obvious reasons. Too much pressure. Still, I like your set-up. Thanks for the video. Regards, Solomon

[@465maltbie]

Very good presentation, like so many things the work is in the preparation. Most people who are not going to bend wood for a living skimp out on the fixturing. Your description was very good thank you for taking the time to share. Charles

[@metubewot]

Thanks Dave again, for a wonderful demonstration of how to it and make it look easy.

[@lourias]

What an interesting setup you have created. I liked how you kept the wood corralled in the ends of the metal strap, then lassoed the the ends upon removal from the mold, then finally secured them with a wood frame for transport and storage!

[@ungratefulbastard8166]

Very cool instructional video , from a very down to earth gentlemen, with important historical documentary . Thank you . !

[@henryward7739]

Love watching your videos every Friday night I’m a traditional coach painter in the uk and I have just started building my own cart and this video has helped me loads to steam the backrest for the seat

[@Tom68070]

Thank you, this is the video I have been waiting most of my life for. I am not interested in building wagon wheels and such but I now feel confident in trying to do my own bending once I have the proper equipment secured. I have liked and subscribed your video because I want to learn more about bending. Thank you for taking the time to do this for us. Please don't take videos down there is no telling how many people you will help over time. You should feel very good about that. You are a master at what you do, all your mistakes and time have paid off.

[@thegreyoutdoors7860]

My first steamer was a complete failure. Now I know why...it was 7 out of ten reasons....lol. I'm building a replica conestoga wagon to tow behind my motorcycle..collapsible of course. Thanks for the tips. Saves a lot of money for me and saves things flying through my shop...lol.

[@timziegler9358]

What a pleasure it is to watch you work. Thank you and best wishes.

[@TomLeg]

My reason for wanting an Engels Coach Shop t shirt is to meet fellow fans in weird places. I went to see Apollo 13 and chatted with a guy nearby ... I mentioned Scott Manley's youtube channel, and he was already a fan. It's those connections that are fun.

[@johnday7362]

Thank you Mr. Engles. Now I need to find a steamer for bending wood. I guess I'll find one somewhere... I also need to find a project that needs bent wood. Well it seems all I really have is a desire to improve my woodworking skills.

[@deanehill9730]

Learnt a few tips there. A retired builder friend is attempting to steam bend a steering wheel for my 1909 IHC Auto Buggy. It is just one piece of timber , steam bent with one finger joint. Not an easy task so far.

[@kulaksikulak]

Thank you! greetings from the Czech Republic 👍

[@rgmoore]

Loved the episode Dave. Thank you for sharing!

[@danbreyfogle8486]

I never knew about not bending conifers, I have never tried to bend wood but if I do I'll make sure it is a hardwood. Great information Dave, thank you for presenting it in a concise format.

[@Joburgbass]

I love to see a good craftsman doing his work with such ease and confidence. Thank you for sharing.

[@cliveramsbotty6077]

mate you're a legend. your work will last forever.

[@Aprendeartesania]

Un gran trabajo y un muy buen proceso de elaboración. Tendré que traducir los subtitulos para entender más. Muchas gracias por compartir.💯

[@caseygriswold8617]

Great video. Most people share things you should do. Some of the most useful knowledge comes from people who share what you shouldn't do, or things to look out for. Thanks for sharing.

[@BrianEltherington]

At last. Got my Engels Coach Shop bling coming. Thanks Dave!

[@tropifiori]

Very nicely explained. I tried steam bending laminations for an archery bow. I had everything steamed glued and clamped and left it on the bench. Well the glue went everywhere and the whole job was glued solid to the bench the next day. It took quite a while to bust the form and parts of the bow off the bench. All the broken pieces burned nicely in the wood stove. Frank

[@WayneCook306]

And again i will say it another great job and video.. Thank you Dave

[@JacquelynSmith_perfect45degree]

Thank you for sharing! Nice to see a thoroughly worked out process.

[@HockyOne]

In Sweden we've been steaming and bending planks of pine and even sprouce for boat building for hundreds of years. My 19 footer built in 1962 is in excellent condition. And I don't think they considered "used" water not wet enough.

[@susanbaron4994]

I'm doing research for an historical novel and this helped me so much. I thought felloes were bent by soaking, now I know it was by steam.

[@outbackcountry512]

Very informative and educational , nice job once again Dave . This is what's needed in this world , people willing to share , teach and just be humble giving honest opinions and experiences thru their dealings around the shop and their work

[@EngelsCoachShop]

Yes, it's not meant to be definitive, but just my experiences.

[@SublimatedIce]

Cedar around here bends very well. Traditional wood used for the ribs on the cedar and canvas canoes. Built one a decade ago; lots of fun. Love watching your videos, seeing your skills and hearing your wisdom.

[@gmilla2825]

I may be wrong, but I think you’re confusing the construction techniques. I know of cedar strip construction, and then wood and canvas, which would usually used a steamed hardwood for the ribs.

[@patrickcolahan7499]

Thank you very much for sharing your experience. No doubt learned over trial and error. Thanks again.

[@JohnClutch1]

I can watch this man all day!

[@craigclark1773]

Your graphics on the merchandise is top notch! Good job

[@alasdairmunro1953]

Great video DAVE, and thanks for introducing Rick and the Luminary Shoppe! 👍

[@DomManInT1]

I did not know the thing about compressing the wood to get it to bend. Thanks.

[@fletcher3913]

I've never bent wood and most likely never will, but I enjoy learning and watching a craftsman at his trade.

[@elcheapo5302]

Just ask Home Depot how to bend wood. There isn't a straight piece in the place!

[@Ivansgarage]

That is funny Lol

[@KJ-kw7gh]

Best and most honest comment

[@robertcoyle1532]

Yeah...and every piece is from the center of a tree.

[@Tafs315]

That very true and higher price for the ones that are the most crocked

[@bullettube9863]

El Cheapo: That was a common joke when I worked for Chase Pitkin! We also joked that Home Depot charged by the knot! What we called "common" they called #3 clear!

[@ulrichbelmondot9204]

Thanks Dave, thanks Master. That all your reasons make sense, especially for newbie like me in the wood bending. That is real life saving tips from the master carpenter. Thank you again and again.

[@steveadams99708]

Another great video Mr. Engles. Always a real pleasure to discover a new video learning session from you. Thank you.

[@mattsavage6867]

Dave, I just came across your youtube channel and have been binge watching this week. Took lots of notes and wanted to say thanks for the knowledge you have shared. Kind Regards, Matt

[@HieronymusHertogenBosch]

Ik ga hout buigen voor mijn hurdy gurdy. Esdoornhout en mahonie. Kleiner kaliber, dikte 2,5 m. Leuke en leerzame video, dank hiervoor! Mvg Ron

[@clydebalcom8252]

It's always a pleasure to see a more in-depth analysis of the work you do.

[@shotgundrums]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience!

[@anthonywilson4873]

Makes sense running under pressure raises boiling point of water and higher temp steam, and gives better penetration of wood plus additional additive of ammonia. Thanks really enjoy the skills demonstrated learning all the time.. tony

[@joepie221]

I always enjoy the simplicity and effectiveness of the setups you use. I do have an observation. The outer boards bend at a different radius than the inner boards and are therefor longer. They do have to be able to slip a bit in order to do this. Are the 2 end clamps just to keep the boards together? The creaking would indicate they actually moved.

[@EngelsCoachShop]

Yes Joe, by the setup they do bend on different radii, but they are so flexable that it's not a big deal. The creaking you hear is from the clamps sliding on the bands.

[@toonybrain]

This is such good stuff presented in a down-home, satisfying way. I will remember and apply these principles. Thank you.

[@charlesscott4883]

I have found that if you add a little Fabric Softner to the water it really helps prevent failures.