If you recall, I cut and sized some walnut strips for a rifle case. After setting on the bench a day, the strips developed bows. I wanted to save all my labor so, the pictures below, with verbiage added, detail my high tech solution.

First a couple of de-bending chambers were required. One 10' section of sewer pipe, cut in half did the trick. Had to cement end caps on each. The work Mate came in handy, too.

The formula for the de-bending solution and it's application is quite complicated so, pay close attention.

First, fill both de-bending chambers with water. Then add wood. Finally add 3 capfuls of the De-Bending Fluid. Sometimes called Bending Fluid. Better known as Fabric Softener. Ideally, it should be in direct sun, too. Let the solution do it's thing for 24 hours or so.

 

.

 

While the wood is "cooking", prepare your clamping station. Here is mine, with all the clamps and cauls ready for action. 

 

After the solution has sufficiently permeated the wood, take it to the clamping station. Take your time. It's not critical that it get clamped immediately like steam bending. 

Mine were arranged for the most expeditious use of clamps, then covered with wax paper to prevent rust forming on the clamps. Wasn't worried about the wood. It gets ebonized, anyway.

 

 

I'll let this set for 72 hours and then, test for dryness. It won't get unclamped until it's dry. 

 

 

Nice "solution"!

sure hope it works..

I hope this works for you too.

Well guys, it works for bending wood. Figured I'd give it shot at un bending wood. I sure hope it works, too. 

If it doesn't, I don't suppose I can get a refund on the Bending Fluid.

Love that secret solution. Will be interesting to follow

Just checked with my finger tip moisture meter. Got a 22% with my right hand and 28 with the left. Probably oughta calibrate them. 

Since our RH is up around 70%, I'll leave them clamped for at least a couple more days. 

20 hours ago, Gene Howe said:

Finally add 3 capfuls of the De-Bending Fluid. Sometimes called Bending Fluid.

I assume this is not available in California?

 

2 hours ago, Gene Howe said:

Got a 22% with my right hand and 28 with the left.

So is this a classic case of the "right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing?"

6 hours ago, Grandpadave52 said:

I assume this is not available in California?

"Known to cause cancer in the State of California".

John

45 minutes ago, HARO50 said:

"Known to cause cancer in the State of California".

John

With all the stuff that applies to, it's a wonder there's anyone left alive over there. 

Nail biting is over. Couldn't wait. Son and daughter in law are napping, so I had to peek. Took all the clamps off and I'd consider this a successful experiment. 

The bowed sticks are 99% flat now. The sides resting on those white boards were still pretty wet. So, they were flipped and re-clamped. Left until Monday, they'll be ready for sanding and the ebonizing can begin. 

No time was saved, but some lumber was. All in all, I'm a pretty happy camper.

Orthodoxy has no foothold in my shop.

There you go with all those big words again. 

Great job. Glad those pieces flattened out for you