The template made now time to make the steam box
Five lengths of ¾ ply 5 inches by 60 inches. This made easy as most good D.I.Y shops have a cutting service.
Glued and nailed together, with small holes drilled down the two sides about 8” apart.
I used a wire coat hanger to feed through these holes to support the wood inside the box.
Used the extra length of ply to make feet and to block off one end.
Using a large wall paper stripper, the hose of which cut into the end of the box and tea towels used to block the open end.
Steam for 20 minutes (ish) then shape to template.
I have never steamed and bent wood before so this was my first attempt, tried first with one thick bit of wood. Although this worked there were signs of stress cracks in the length. So I decided to build up the thickness of the keel in strips laminated together, all in all this has worked well and a much stronger result.
guy sawers 