For best results, set up the exit hole so that it’s turned toward the ground. This will allow the pressure inside the steam box to push the water out of your box.

You will probably need to clasp down the wood to the form with clamps. You can either make your own wooden clamps or purchase them. Try making some circle offcuts into which you drill an off-centre hole; pass a bolt through that and drill another hole through the side which you use to lever them shut. This makes for an effective clamp. [2] X Research source

Bend the wood gently and carefully. Different kinds of wood are springier than others and different cuts can withstand more force. It would be a shame to break your wood while you’re trying to bend it. Clamp your wood down as soon as you’ve set it in place. Some prefer to clamp as they form the wood; clamping piecemeal may give you more flexibility and control.

Before you cut, make a diagonal line with a pencil and a ruler across the bottom of your stock. This way, if the wood strips get dropped or rearranged, you’ll be able to tell which order your strips belong in. Cut your wood strips through a straight-grained edge, not on the face-grain side. This will help you put back the strips together with minimal interruption.

Use a disposable roller to dispense the glue onto the wood. Use the right kind of glue: Try a two-part urea-formaldehyde glue. This glue sets very hard but also slowly. Try an epoxy. Epoxies are very effective but also expensive. Do not use standard wood glue for bent laminations. Normal wood glue sets soft and quickly, making it less ideal for this kind of project.

The key to kerfing is even spacing. Space all of your kerfs out as evenly as possible. Try to get the kerfs about 1⁄2 inch (1. 3 cm) apart. Always cut across the grain. The chance that your wood splits is much higher if you cut the kerfs with the grain. [5] X Research source You can use a Dremel tool. [6] X Research source There are a variety of blades and attachments you can use with it. It is suitable for making little notches.

If you want to disguise the kerfing, mix together glue and sawdust (or an appropriate wood filler) and fill the spaces left in the bent wood.