TOP 7.25”
A SIDE
5” B
60”
C
Steambox Dimensions
Length: 5 feet (60 inches) Width: 7.25 inches Height: 5 inches
A) Tempurature gauge, embedded into steam chamber
B) Wooden dowels installed every 10 inches for wood laminations to lay upon
C) Hose, connected to steam source Steam Box Notes
This simple steam box is built out of inexpensive pine wood, and can be assembled in a few hours. Access door Access opening Regarding dimesions : The goal is to have a box that is large enough to accommodate the wooden strips for banjo rim bending, without having too much excess capacity. The more excess capacity you have, the more time (and steam) is needed to heat the chamber each time.
It is important to have a ledge inside built from wooden dowels. The purpose of this is to suspend the wood strips during steaming, allowing the steam to fill the chamber both above and below. To create this ledge, drill matched holes on both sides of the steam box (an inch or so from the bottom, and 10 inches apart). Then push your dowel sticks through. Be sure to use wooden dowels, as any kind of metal will discolor your wood strips upon contact.
The acess door can be attached however you like. I built mine so I can Back end with small vent Temperature gauge slide it closed, or take it completely off.
On the bottom, close to the access opening, drill a hole for your steam hose. You will also want a small drain hole (to allow water to escape during use). You can run plastic tubing from this to a drain or container to catch water.
About two-thirds up the length of the steam box, I installed a temperature gauge. It is a simple food thermometer that passes into the steam chamber through a hole in the top. This helps you monitor the temperature within the chamber, so you know when it’s hot enough to insert frest wood strips (between 210° and 220°F)
On the back end, drill a small hole to act as a vent. Your chamber should never be air-tight, as pressure can quickly build up.
When using your steam box, place it upon a base that allows it to sit on an angle. You want the steam to enter toward the bottom end and flow upwards (and out) toward the vent on the other end.