RIAI CPD Links: Bending Wood – an Overview

This is a one day training course.

Course Overview

Bending Wood – An Overview, is a non-scientific introduction to the practical approaches and alternatives of creating curved structures for Architecture, Industrial, Commercial and Accessories using wood as a sustainable material. Bending Wood is a very important element of woodworking, at all sizes and scales. 

Presented in a Work Studio environment, the course provides a hands on practical and tactile experience to the elasticity and plasticity of the materials.

Course Structure

09.45 – 11.15 / 11.45 – 13.00 PowerPoint Presentation interspersed with live demonstrations and materials examinations.

• Introduction describing the variety of applications for Bending Wood.
• Early structures using bent wood.
• Local tree species suitable for bending with tables presenting minimum radius bends to specific species.
• Wood grain and it’s important role in successful bending.
• Cut curves versus bent wood curves.
• Introduction to ‘Kerf’ Bending, an explanation and examples of applications.
• Introduction the ‘Vacuum Bending’, an explanation and live demonstration.
• Introduction to Glue Lamination for a stairs string demonstrated on a 1:2 scale form for a standard spiral staircase.
• Moisture content required for success in steam or wet bending.

The slide presentation is variously augmented with demonstrations and physical samples that assist in providing tactile parameters to both the resistance and conversely, the willingness of the material to follow form.

This course is designed to guide the participant through the various methods of Bending Wood. This will include discussion on the structural difference between cut curves and bent curves.

14.00 – 15.30

• Steam bending demonstration with introduction to the required tools and forms with attendee participation to experience the elasticity of the materials.

15.30 – 16.30

• Course conclusion and open discussion.
• Review of key learning points and techniques.
• Feedback and wrap-up.
• Course Certification.

Learning Outcomes

• Participants will achieve a clear & concise introduction to the advantages and disadvantages of specific bending techniques and their applications.
• The introductions to the various bending options will assist in both conceptual design and design specifications.
• Participants will achieve a tactile experience related to the elasticity of wood.
• An appreciation of the critical importance of understanding of wood grain.