Best beginner bending technique?

[dekutree64]

Originally Posted by TheGoldenWalrus

Hi, sorry if this seems a stupid question, but this particular bending process takes place after steaming, correct?

Thanks,
Scott

Nope. You do need some moisture, but the exact amount and way of introducing it depends on the wood. For example, maple tends to work best if you get the pipe really good and hot, and put a wet paper towel over it to provide steam and prevent scorching. Some woods work better if you spray them with a mist bottle and then bend against the bare pipe. And for minor touch-up bends, you usually don't need to add water at all (and in fact want to avoid it, so there will be minimal movement after you get it where you want it). There's a small amount of water in the wood in normal room conditions, so you can get in a little bending before it's bone dry.