Timber Framers Guild Forums General General Forum Questions Method For Bending/Contouring 2x2's

I'am building a arched bridge,using 2x2's for handrails. How can I contour the rails to the same arch as the bridge? I'm a real novice at this! My thoughts are nailing the rails to the bridge deck temporarly to form them.

Is there some way to use water and/or heat to speed the process?
These are 8 foot in length,I don't have a way of completely immersing them in water. They are treated also.

If anyone has any ideas on this please help.

Thank You

Bob_B

Hi Bob:

Instead of using solid 2 x 2's, why not laminate them? Take thinner stock bend/glue around a form to match the radius that you need. That is a lot easier than steam bending and you can control the curve lot easier. What species of wood are you using?