Steam Bending Ribs for 14' Lapstrake Double Paddle

[jeffg219]

I'm bending small, white oak ribs (1/4" x 5/8".)

Having trouble getting the ribs to lay flat against the planking - I need more twist in them.

I'm boiling them in a house gutter with double propane burners underneath for 15 minutes - the gutter is covered.

Any suggestions or techniques that you think might help?

Thanks for any input.

[Peerie Maa]

I trust that you are not working solo, it is a two handed job. Make a wooden spanner to twist the tops as you push them to place. A piece of scrap about 18 inch long with a 1/4 x 5/8 hole through the mid length is all you need. Cramp the tops to the shear strake and tap them down with a mallet to snug them to place once they are to place.

[Gib Etheridge]

1/4 X 5/8 will bend easily enough alright, but being that thin it will lose it's heat really quickly so you need to work fast. Like PM said, you need an assistant. It will help if you soak the ribs for a few days, not that you need the increased limberness that much but because the additional mass will hold the heat a little longer.
He's dead on in all of his other recommendations as well.

[nedL]

Also, the ribs should not be in the boiling water (212°F max), they should be in the steam above the water (>212°F) if you are using a gutter.

[jeffg219]

I just want to thank all of you for your suggestions. I'm hoping to try some of these methods over the next week or so and will keep you posted on the outcome.

Many thanks,

Jeff

[James McMullen]

Don't worry Jeff, it takes a little practice to get comfortable at it. But you are learning how to do one of the funnest tasks in all of woodworking! Joy to you!