Brian Nystrom ) writes:

When I've soaked wood, all it did was make is swell so it no longer fit
where it was supposed to, such as in a mortise. Either that, or if it
was trimmed to fit after steaming, it shrank as it dried and became
loose. Soaking didn't seem to make any difference in the bend-ability of
the wood.

softwoods would have more of a tendancy to swell. TF Jones writes that a
nice piece of 15-20 year old oak needs soaking before steam bending.

A 1"x1" piece of clear oak properly steamed can be tied in a knot. Not
something I've ever tried.

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