Bending Walnut

[sycamore6]

Just starting my next build and I have some English walnut recycled from an old desk that I aim to use for the sides. Anyone have experience of hot pipe bending this stuff please? Before I re-saw the board and handplane down to 2mm. thickness, I'd appreciate knowing if I have bending trouble coming my way........thanks.....John

[tippie53]

This wood bends well. Keep it damp and moving on the pipe. If it is well quartered you will be fine. The more off quarter the more it may move. Get the pipe good and hot.

[sycamore6]

John....thanks for that....should be bending the wood tomorrow.......John

[Kevin Sjostrand]

I will be bending walnut on a pipe this summer, so I'm interested in how you find it to bend.
I've been expecting it to be no big deal.

Kevin

[Ken C]

Have no feedback re pipe bending walnut, but walnut is one of the easiest woods I have bent on my fox style bender.

Ken

[tippie53]

pipe bending is a skill but you can learn how. Get the pipe HOT and keep the wood damp. also keep the wood moving on the pipe and don't force it.

[kencierp]

Spray bottle, leather gloves and a very thin metal sheet (stainless steel or aluminum) for use as a backing plate to prevent ripples, all are essentials. Practice -practice - practice --- bending is a new motor/process skill so there is a learning curve like everything else. If you are not in a hurry it is fun and rewarding. Walnut is very easy to work.

[tippie53]

Ken has some good advice with the slat. Matching heats to wood is a learned skill but developing that feel only comes with doing. Practice will Oak Poplar Walnut these all bend well . You soon will learn about heat and duration so keep things moving . Allow the pipe time to heat.
One note if using a torch be careful of setting your shirt on fire . You will be surprised at how fast that can happen . No I won't tell you why I know such things .

[kencierp]

We have a wad of aluminum foil plugging the end of the pipe to trap heat and it seems from John's comment to also prevent "shirt fires." Our pipe is aluminum, with steel bands strapping it to the bench, this works out well since it allows the use of a common magnetic wood burner stove/fireplace thermostat -- just under 275 degrees is our average.

[Tom West]

Some folks like to bend with a hot pipe. Certainly a good skill to have for when required. I bent freehand for years with a pipe.Once I discovered blankets with a form, the pipe lost all it's trill for me. Still use it at times but only for minor corrections from spring back.
Tom