Bending Top bows for Stevens-Duyrea & 1927 Franklin Cars | Engels Coach

Steam bending kiln dried hardwoods is difficult, but not impossible, as many are led to believe. Using kiln dried white ash, I am bending top bows for antique Stevend-Duyrea and 1927 Franklin cars. I steam at 3 psi for 2 hours per inch thick, with 2 cups of ammonia mixed in 30 gallons of water. With proper containment, kiln dried hardwoods will bend, even in tight curves.