SAFETY CUT-OUT
A safety cut-out is fitted to prevent overheating the element if the water boils low. If unit stops boiling during use this may be the
cause. Wait for 2 minutes before removing filler cap then re-fill with water. The cut-out will self reset and steam be produced again
within 5-15 minutes.
The cut-out will not protect the element if a part filled unit is tilted during use in a way which enables
part of the element to be out of the water for longer than 15-20 seconds.
DESCALING
To maintain peak performance of the unit, particularly in areas of hard water, it may be necessary to descale the element in the unit.
Proprietary kettle descaling products can be used in your unit - always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Always wear gloves or mitts for added protection.
3
Just before full steam production a small amount of bubbling and water will occur.
Beware of hot water discharge prior to steam
emission.
If unit requires refilling, unplug cord and allow to cool for at least 2 minutes before removing filler cap -
Beware of steam.
When
finished, allow to cool completely and empty unit. Always store unit empty.
Bending wood with steam can be
dangerous
and should only be performed by experienced woodworking enthusiasts.
Thick, heat
resistant gloves
are recommended as the steam can easily burn unprotected skin on contact. Also keep your face clear from any
areas where steam may escape and burn you.
Steam is a very effective medium for bending wood. Most hardwoods will bend better than softwoods.
Steam boxes can be built using plywood or hardwood; just make sure that it can stand up to moisture and heat. Your steam box
should be tight, but not too tight. The steam should be able to surround your wood piece and flow through the steam box. The steam
box could build up pressure and
possibly explode
if the steam does not adequately flow through the steam box and pressure relief
holes.
The best way is to build a relatively tight box and
drill steam holes
in the base so that the steam and condensation can escape. You
should have a
steady stream of steam escaping through all vents
. You will need to make sure that your wood pieces are
supported in your steam box and that the steam surrounds your wood on all sides.
Dowel rods work the best
as metal rods can
heat up and burn your wood as well as yourself.
As a wooded steam box, you can use common 1 x 6 material or 3/4” thick plywood. A 5” x 5” interior dimension with a 3ʼ-5ʼ length for
use with your Steam Generator. You should have a
door opening with hinges and a latch
. A rubber weather stripping can be used
to seal a leaky door.
The brass threaded fitting that is supplied with your Steam Generator is designed to fit a 0.531” hole. Drill this hole in your steam box
and separate the fitting, placing one end through the box with the thread that will connect to the hose sticking out of the box. Screw
the other part of the fitting onto the fitting inside the steam box and tighten up to ensure a good seal. There should be no movement
of the connector once tightened up.
Ideally the steam box should be on a
slight incline
for condensation to drain to one end and exit the steam box.
Fill your steam generator with clean water, do not add any additives.
DO NOT FILL ABOVE MAX LEVEL LINE
on Steam Generator
base. The steam up time will be controlled by how much water you fill the Steam Generator with and the temperature of the water.
The Steam Generator is designed to provide two hours of steam. If you only require one hour of steam then half fill the Steam
Generator.
Place your wood pieces into the steam box and connect the hose to the steam box and Steam Generator. Plug the Steam Generator
into a grounded outlet, preferably one with a GFCI. The Steam Generator will automatically start to heat up.
When initially starting we recommend that you insert a
meat thermometer
through a small hole to read the temperature. You want to
reach 212 degrees F, or as close as possible. Once you have reached this temperature to start timing how long your wood needs to
be steamed.
A general rule to follow is that you should steam the wood for
1 hour per every inch thickness of the wood. So for ½” thick
pieces you should allow 30 minutes.
You will
need a mould or jig
to hold the wood in place until it dries out after you remove such from the steam box.
*This is a general outline on building a steam box.*
*There are many websites available to use for more detailed instructions.*
How to Build a Steam Box - Safety Instructions
K0051 SS77USSG 11 11_c94 06/04.qxd 09/11/2011 08:57 Page 3
