I'm a beginner in woodworking, and I'm looking to improve my skills. Recently, I crafted an anime sword using MDF, but I struggled with the cutting and shaping using just a hand saw and sanding. I'm curious about bending wood—I've seen videos suggesting steaming or soaking the wood in hot water to make it flexible. Can anyone confirm if these methods really work?
3 Answers
MDF isn’t ideal for bending since it's not meant to flex. If you want to steam bend wood, it’s definitely possible, but it requires some experimentation. A common method is to glue several thin strips together and bend them in a form for sharper curves. Good luck with your projects!
You're on the right track; both steaming and soaking wood are legit techniques! Just remember, they do need careful prep to prevent snapping your wood. You’ll definitely need a good number of clamps and maybe a sturdy jig to help maintain the shape. Also, keep in mind that wood has a tendency to revert back to its original shape, so you may need to bend it a bit more than what you want. What’s your next project? If you're aiming for bent wood armor, there might be easier solutions!