steam box material

Re: steam box material

Bruce, a MN Galoot

I wold think that for a one-time thing, it would be okay. I tried MDF for a project, and it failed miserably. I also use schedule 40 pvc, though I think schedule 80 would be better.

options

Bill Tindall, E.Tn.

You could go with solid lumber, or cutting from pressure treated plywood, or any exterior grade plywood like what is used for subfloors. 3/4" subfloor plywood is cheap

Re: steam box material

Keith Newton

I’d use exterior grade. Cabinet plywood will delaminate pretty quickly under this harsh condition.

Re: options

Barry Irby

2' by 4' panels of treated plywood are available at Lowes. Less than $20. 1/2"

They also have composite wood made of foam core PVC that might work. Don't know how it will stand up to the heat, but you don't need much strength.

And you could line your box either with some sort of sheet plastic like Polyethylene or the corrugated stuff. Might be good to keep the green treatment chemicals off your pieces if nothing else.

And over in the pipe department they may have 6" thin wall sewer and drain (SD) pipe. I used it for my dust collection system. Very small selection of fittings, but you could make a couple of end plugs.

Re: steam box material

John McGaw

I used schedule-80 4" PVC for mine. Probably overdid it since I've seldom used it but I'd think that it should hold up for years of heavy use.

Re: Doesn't PVC deform when heated?

Hank Knight

I understand that PVC deforms under the stress of steam heat and needs some kind of frame to keep it reasonably straight. Can someone comment on this?

Re: Doesn't PVC deform when heated?

Clifton C

Hank, that brings back memories and a laugh... I had cobbled together a steam box using PVC, turned the end caps, boiler was an old 5 gallon can on a turkey fryer etc etc. The PVC pipe was across two saw horses. Part way thru, it started to sag a little... Then really sag... Oops... Ripped some ply and nailed together a V trough to slide underneath. It's funny now, but was a bit frantic at the time.

Bending PVC pipe

Bill Tindall, E.Tn.

Heat with steam and bend like a well done spaghetti noodle. I make hoops for greenhouse that way.

Re: Doesn't PVC deform when heated?

Bruce, a MN Galoot

Yes, it deforms. I made a trough for the pipe to rest on. I also wrap it in some kind of insulation, like towels or an old blanket, tp preserve heat.

A better choice would be to make a box from cedar boards, but the PVC was more convenient.

Re: Doesn't PVC deform when heated?

Jack Guzman from Maine

My first steam box was pvc pipe. It sagged. I now use solid wood,four pieces of 3/4" pine nailed together. Works great. I've seen pvc steam boxes made with heavier pipe than schedule 40. It helps.

Re: Doesn't PVC deform when heated?

Barry Irby

You mean you are not supposed to bend the wood and the PVC pipe at the same time?

Re: Doesn't PVC deform when heated?

Bruce, a MN Galoot

Actually, the PVC bends more easily than the wood.