building rim parts

[buckhorn]

since the weather has started to change, I've been able to start back in the shop forming rims and necks..during the cold spell I was able to heat and steam form parts without too much trouble..I've found that when trying to from parts,it's better to do it in stages, allowing the pieces to cool and strecth back a little before getting it into final shape..with this resting of the wood , splits and cracks happen less often..and I mist the pieces with a spray bottle as being formed with as little water as possible, trying to keep scortching to a minimum...at first, I soaked the wood a while but got lots of splits and breaks..I also use 2x4s and 2x6s cut to form in the shapes needed and clamp tightly with wood clamps for several hours till completely dry..for the tight bends, I also thin the rim thickness a little ( especially the "S" piece and at the points)..after a while you just get a feeling as when to bend and when not to..never burnt myself yet but been close..but I do wear old sweats and and have scortched a few shirts in the past..is there any other tricks anyone would like to share...

[buckhorn]

herenare a few more pics..

[buckhorn]

photo of the final rims...

[David Houchens]

nice big batch. I always try to start at least 3 at a time but lately end up running with one to get it out.

[buckhorn]

building in such large batches does have drawbacks...sometimes the rims do move around..but I cut my plates slightly larger then the rims to make sure they will fit properly....all are within dementions and work, but you do have to watch...

[buckhorn]

how did I get all of those extra photo posts ????? as you can see, I'm not tec wonder here........

[testore]

What heat source are you using? Looks a little hot.

[buckhorn]

I use propane thru a pipe...then misting wood with water ..all marks come off with a little sanding...just haven't cleaned them up yet.

[Skip Kelley]

Nice job Keith! That's a lot of hard work there!