honduran mahogony

[phillip]

Hi! I have made belaying pin racks and cleats out of honduran mahogany. I also carved out a coaming for the companion way. Now I'm wondering if I'll be able to steam this wood enough to bend it ? Will this wood take a steamed bend?

Thanks Phil

[marshmat]

Depends how tight the bend is.... if you steam it enough and bend it slowly enough, mahogany can bend fairly well, but only to a point.... perhaps a 2-3 foot radius for every inch of thickness is as tight as I would ever try to go with steaming, but that's just a guess....

[phillip]

Thanks Matt: Probably not a great choice of wood; But it will look good if it'll go.

Phil

[gonzo]

It bends fair. Mahogany won't make a tight radius like oak. Make sure you soak the wood for two or three days before steaming and it won't split.

[phillip]

Would it help to heat the coaming on the inside of the radius while jigging it?

Thanks Phil (soak/steam/heat/?)

[gonzo]

It is better to heat the outside of the curve. That is the part of the wood stretching. I use a propane torch and keep it wet with a brush and water. A helper makes it easier.

[phillip]

Thank you for the response and sharing your knowledge.

Phil