Windex

[420TEE]

So why is blue Windex with ammonia not recommended for plank bending, only clear? The only clear Windex I find has vinegar, not ammonia.

[woodybob]

Perhaps it has something to do with the fumes from steamed ammonia?

Ever fry a jalapeno? :eek: The fumes are brutal. It's like all the oxygen is sucked out of the kitchen. :o

[bigford]

or the blue will stain the planks

[420TEE]

Planks will be epoxyed and painted anyway. This sugestion is from the Lyman direction book from M.A.C.K. Products. I've used blue before and never noted any blue color. I don't heat the Windex, just soak the planks.

[smart_racer]

I just use straight ammonia

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

I just use warm water... :o

[CG Bob]

When I need to wet a plank for bending, I spray it with some water and heat the plank with a heat gun.

When all else fails, I use an oxy-acetylene torch and a 20 lb sledge hammer.

[Shaun Hendricks]

vinegar weakens the celluar structure of organic substances, making them 'bendable'. It also weakens them.

I'd just use a small steam box. Steam penetrates the wood, heats it and makes it flexible. When it cools and dries, the hydrogen bonding left behind keeps the wood in the bent shape. A small steam box is super easy to make.

Big ones build big wood boats... :D

[Swift16]

I'm with CGBob! (The second line!):D :D

[olmod]

vinegar weakens the celluar structure of organic substances, making them 'bendable'. It also weakens them.

I'd just use a small steam box. Steam penetrates the wood, heats it and makes it flexible. When it cools and dries, the hydrogen bonding left behind keeps the wood in the bent shape. A small steam box is super easy to make.

Big ones build big wood boats... :D
Thats what i do and its great for removing warps in wings and things, and i finally found a use for that household hand held steam cleaner the wife bought to clean the shower recess with :D

[ThrustTugKeith]

<<So why is blue Windex with ammonia not recommended for plank bending,>>

I used it on the Dauntless build, and had ZERO problems with staining. I'll use it again. I think the staining thing is bunk.

[Kmot]

When all else fails, I use an oxy-acetylene torch and a 20 lb sledge hammer.

Is that a sense of humor I see CG Bob developing? :D

[frankg]

:) 420 TEE - The deal with not using blue Windex was strictly so their would be no chance for staining the wood. If you are going to epoxy and paint go to it, the blue Windex works great. The reason I know it will change the color of the wood (bass wood) was because it did so when I built the Midwest Peterborough canoe. :)

[bigford]

see i said so :p :D

[CG Bob]

Is that a sense of humor I see CG Bob developing? :DNo, just 27 years of experience (http://www.gocoastguard.com/find-your-fit/enlisted-opportunities/enlisted-ratings-descriptions/damage-controlman-(dc)) using those items to fix a lot of USCG equipment. A word of caution: Do not use the torch near the CHT or its vents.

[Kmot]

I should have known! :p

[boat_builder]

vinegar weakens the celluar structure of organic substances, making them 'bendable'. It also weakens them.

I'd just use a small steam box. Steam penetrates the wood, heats it and makes it flexible. When it cools and dries, the hydrogen bonding left behind keeps the wood in the bent shape. A small steam box is super easy to make.

Big ones build big wood boats... :D

I know this may be kind of off the subject here but you mentioned a steam box. A steam box sounds like something I could definately use. Any information on how to build a good one as far as parts/materials needed or even a blueprint or diagram?

[towboatjoe]

I;m another who uses staright vinegar.

[ELeuchte]

boiling water works. just soak the wood for several minutes, i used an electric turkey cooker sorta like a big crock pot. I used this to make the ribs for a 45" boat i made as a cradle for my daughter.

[pops52]

Mrs. pops says you can do anything on it so, I just use this.

[RV-4 flyer]

Wet the wood and put it in the microwave wrapped in a wet paper towel or a piece of saran wrap. All the steam you need... just keep it wet and don't overdo it