steam bending

[mariner2k]

Hi, I'm looking for advice on steam bending and rib replacement. I have done some research. The ribs are 2"x2" and I don't have the benefit of a jig or mold. I'd like to be able to somehow lay them against the inside of the hull. So far I've poured a 10,000lb ballast and attached it. Cut new floor timbers and installed keel bolts. But I've never steam bent.
Is this a feasable venture?

thanks, kevin

[Steve Lansdowne]

There is an article on page 70 of the current WB issue (#188) that has some pointers on this.

[formerlyknownasprince]

Yes it's feasible - although I'd be doing 2 x 1" layers. We replaced 14 or so ribs in Grantala which were 38mm (1 1/2") in total thickness. Built our own steambox, used a propane powered steam cleaner to generate steam and went from there.

Here's one we sistered:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid99/p44c95bd903e1536bc94e95d9f734910b/f9e99ff9.jpg

The insulated steambox - which is about 20' long:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid101/p02c6ebbf8912b3337f3925357d0e4e7c/f9dff0a3.jpg

The steam generator:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid101/p2d9f0043aeb1c0aa3384a9df0c427418/f9dff088.jpg

Missing are photos of the wife passing the red-hot ribs through the porthole and us banging in the nails.

Have fun!

Ian

[mariner2k]

Ian,
It looks from the pictures that you were able to slide the pieces behind the stringers. Is that correct? what size were your pieces and how long did you steam them for? Thanks for the info.

Kevin

[Mrleft8]

Originally posted by mariner2k:
Ian,
It looks from the pictures that you were able to slide the pieces behind the stringers. Is that correct? what size were your pieces and how long did you steam them for? Thanks for the info.

KevinDo you get "Wooden Boat" magazine? The questions you ask are answered in detail in the current issue.

[mariner2k]

Yes I do get it but for some reason I get it after the stores do. I'll have to bitch about that a bit. Sounds like a good issue.

kevin

[steve pilot 35]

Mariner,
as suggested, instead of trying to bend one peice, i have just replaced around 20 ribs in my pilot they are 40mm x 40mm i cut 4 peices at 9.5 mm and use epoxy glue, it is the easyest way to do it, when you have to get under other timbers such as stringers

[Nicholas Carey]

Originally posted by mariner2k:
Is this a feasable venture?Yes.

Although it looks like (from your picture) that you haven't removed the covering boards on deck to allow access to the frames from above -- it's usually easier, I think, to slide the new frames in from above. They just slide down between the sheer clamp and the hull. If the frames are tapered, of course, they have to come in from below and slide up through the sheer clamp. Also, the frame blanks are likely (and should be) longer than you actually need.

This thread (http://www.woodenboat-ubb.com/cgi-bin/UBB/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=011364&p=) contains what I think — although I might be just a tad prejudiced there :D — is a pretty good, if brief discussion of the process.