: hi Rehd;
: i'm building from robert morris's book so glue is not a concern. is it your
: opinion that there is nothing to be gained from soaking?
: regards;
: daren....

I think they are two roads to the same end. I suppose that if you were to set it up for tomorrow, and throw it in the water now, then steaming may be a bit easier. The idea is to soften up the cells in the wood, as they have lost their moisture in the drying process. By soaking, you will put some water back into the cells, but it will not be 100% rehydration. By steaming, you are heating the cells, which will softem them, and the moisture will help to increase that effect. Doing both would maybe increase the effects.

I think the differences are in the drying/cooling process. Soaking will naturally put more water into the wood which will take more time to evaporate giving you more time to work, but at the same time, more time to wait. Steaming will aid bending without all the moisture. But, steaming means you need to move faster when applying the material as it will cool in minutes.

Another minor point that would probably concern you will be expanding and contracting of your wood pieces. If you soak them, they WILL expand, and if you tie them up, they will later lose moisture and shrink. With steaming, the swelling, I believe, would be minimal( but some!) Best scenario: Soaking or steaming.. which ever you choose, do it and clamp your parts in place and let dry, then tie them permanently.

How far have you gotten? Which boat? I'm going to try one of his boats when I get done with my next 3. Already started the Rob-Roy canoe, getting the materials ready for the hybrid Merganser 17w and then it's time to Strip. Still have my original " first boat " to build. The Great Auk. Looking forward to doing one of mr. Morris' boats. I know, sounds like an If-maybe kinda thing. But, I like his method and would really like to try it. Keep us posted on your progress.

Rehd