honduran mahogony

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

 

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....

 

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

Phil

 

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.

 

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

Thanks Phil (soak/steam/heat/?)

 

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.

 

Thank you for the response and sharing your knowledge.

Phil