Bent Laminations

Make curved forms without getting steamed.
By Robert W. Lang
Pages: 76-81

From the October 2005 issue #150
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Most of the time when a piece of wood has a bend or a curve, it means trouble: Your stock is warped or bowed. But sometimes a bent part can add an interesting design element. The curved supports in these shelves transform what might be plain and ordinary into an interesting and contemporary design.

I usually like to keep things simple, which to me means using as few parts as possible. But when it comes to curved parts, such as the supports for these shelves, I form the curves by gluing together several thin strips rather than steam bending one piece of wood. This technique of bent lamination is faster and the results are more predictable than steam bending.

From the October 2005 issue #150
Buy this issue now