Vesihöyrytus

Vesihöyrytus, also known as steam bending, is a woodworking technique used to shape solid wood by heating it with steam. This process makes the wood pliable, allowing it to be bent into various curves and shapes that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with dry wood.

The process typically involves placing a piece of wood, often a plank or stave, into a steam box or a steam chamber. The chamber is filled with steam generated from boiling water, and the wood is exposed to this moist heat for a specific duration. The time and temperature depend on the type and thickness of the wood being worked. During steaming, the lignin within the wood, a complex polymer that acts as a natural glue, softens and becomes more mobile.

Once sufficiently softened, the wood is removed from the steam and quickly bent into the desired shape using a jig, form, or clamp. As the wood cools and dries, it retains the new shape due to the solidified lignin. This technique is particularly useful for creating curved elements in furniture, boat building, musical instruments, and decorative objects. Common woods used for steam bending include ash, oak, beech, and maple, which are known for their flexibility and responsiveness to the steaming process. Overheating or steaming for too long can weaken the wood, so careful control of the process is essential.