Measurement conversion question & steam bending.

[clifonef]

I am about to begin another new process in my boatbuilding career, requiring the purchase of yet more stuff of the tool category.

I am going to steam-bend 5/8" x 6" clear green white oak for the coaming on my boat. The radius is 30" and to compensate for springback I am bending it to about 27". I am told that I MUST place the outside under compression.

Consulting Fine Woodworking's Woodbending special publication, the relevantarticle suggests 1/16" hot-rolled steel. Calling the local Steel R Us in the phone book, they say they carry only 1/8", which is pretty husky. Looking up on the web, there is another local supplier that carries 16 and other gauges.

So what is the conversion from gauge to inches?

How do I prevent the steel from discoloring my oak?

Thanks.

[G. Schollmeier]

In sheet steel gage, 16 gage is .059” 15 gage is 067”, a 1/16” = .0625”. If the steel is not painted wrap it in plastic wrap. Good luck.

Gary :D

[StevenBauer]

When I made my tobaggon I used lexan as the compression strap. Worked a treat. :) Any glass store has it. 100% success rate.

Steven

[Gary E]

Forgit buying a small pc at a service center...
Look in the yellow pages for Sheetmetal Shops...
go there and show the owner what you need, they stock all of what you will ever need and be able to cut, bend, and weld for you etc