: I got my Lee Valley Kettle yesterday and proceeded to steam bend my PVC pipe
: also! (I wonder how many they sold after that post by Rob?) I think my PVC
: pipe bent because I did not build in a drain so the hot water pooled in
: the middle. I am going to try it again tonight and see if a drain hole and
: slight tilt to the pipe minimize the problem.
: A Question: How long should you let a steam bent strip cool and dry before
: gluing in place? I steamed the strip for about 15 minutes, clamped it in
: place and let it sit for about two hours before unclamping, gluing and
: reclamping. I would like to speed the process up.

: Steve
: building a Mill Creek 16.5 with strip deck

The Lee Valley kettle/with fitted pipe is the only set-up I've seen specifically designed for small steaming jobs. I happened to run across it when I was in their Toronto store.

I angle my steam rig so the condensing water runs back down the pipe into the kettle.

If you use the ureathane glues (which loves damp wood) you could glue up in an hour. Otherwise I would let it dry overnight.

All the best,

Rob Macks
Laughing Loon CC&K
www.LaughingLoon.com