Steam bending

The art of steam bending wood into the shapes that are required for Windsor Chairs has some basic rules that must be followed - first the grain of the wood used must be straight and preferable quick grown, then steamed in a chamber for 1 hour per sq. inch, placed in a strap and bent round a former whilst hot to achieve the required shape, this action must be performed in no more than 45 to 60 seconds, left to cool and set into its ‘new’ shape, before using in the part of the chair it is required for - i.e. back spindles, comb, bows, crinoline stretchers.