John Szalay writes:
I have found that steam bending really is interesting! My pipe steambox
worked great - I had a full head of steam all day. Of course, I had to replace
the water a few times in the boiler, but it came right back to a boil and
the steambox temp did not fall below 210 degrees. I bent up my
I have found that steam bending really is interesting! My pipe steambox
worked great - I had a full head of steam all day. Of course, I had to replace
the water a few times in the boiler, but it came right back to a boil and
the steambox temp did not fall below 210 degrees. I bent up my
hoops in an hour or so. check out the picture!
The hoops I am bending are 19 3/4 dia inside using 13 /16 square
dimensioned beech. Profiles are done after the bending process. I had to
steam bend some wood for a very large rear belt pulley for a 1901 Thomas
motorcycle made in buffalo NY that I own. it is the only complete example
known to exist. I have been invited to show it at a very prominent
Guggenheim museum traveling show, {called , "The Art of the Motorcycle"]
that will be in Memphis Tennessee this Spring-Fall It is a great honor to be
asked to do this show. This show started in NY several years ago and has
last been in Las Vegas and also in Spain. There Is also a great book already
published about this show. My motorcycle will be on public display from
April to October. The Wonders Museum which is hosting this show is treating
me and Christine to Memphis [flights, downtown Marriot, dinners, parties]
for the opening ceremonies on April 21 - 23. Black tie dinner on Friday,{ I
have to rent a tuxedo} and the whole nine yards, ought to be interesting.
certainly a once in a lifetime experience and a great opportunity for me. I
have been actively restoring pre 1915 american antique motorcycles for
about 10 years as a hobby but i just signed a $50k contract to restore
three bikes for a well known collector so I am starting to make money at it
in the last few years. though i will never give up restoring furniture.
I guess I better go finish that museum show bike since they are picking it
up in a month and I have not even painted it yet!
Jon Szalay
First National Antiques
Barnegat NJ
The hoops I am bending are 19 3/4 dia inside using 13 /16 square
dimensioned beech. Profiles are done after the bending process. I had to
steam bend some wood for a very large rear belt pulley for a 1901 Thomas
motorcycle made in buffalo NY that I own. it is the only complete example
known to exist. I have been invited to show it at a very prominent
Guggenheim museum traveling show, {called , "The Art of the Motorcycle"]
that will be in Memphis Tennessee this Spring-Fall It is a great honor to be
asked to do this show. This show started in NY several years ago and has
last been in Las Vegas and also in Spain. There Is also a great book already
published about this show. My motorcycle will be on public display from
April to October. The Wonders Museum which is hosting this show is treating
me and Christine to Memphis [flights, downtown Marriot, dinners, parties]
for the opening ceremonies on April 21 - 23. Black tie dinner on Friday,{ I
have to rent a tuxedo} and the whole nine yards, ought to be interesting.
certainly a once in a lifetime experience and a great opportunity for me. I
have been actively restoring pre 1915 american antique motorcycles for
about 10 years as a hobby but i just signed a $50k contract to restore
three bikes for a well known collector so I am starting to make money at it
in the last few years. though i will never give up restoring furniture.
I guess I better go finish that museum show bike since they are picking it
up in a month and I have not even painted it yet!
Jon Szalay
First National Antiques
Barnegat NJ
