I just joined, with access to the Fine Homebuilding archive. Does the search function not work well? I used Steam+box+window+sash as search terms and got over 17,000 results. I searched the forum with the same terms and got over 10,000 results.
I’d also love to know if anyone can tell me how to find the design (or a similar one) for the steam box used in this article: https://archives.finehomebuilding.com/finehomebuilding/feb-mar-2018-273/flipbook/46/
I’d like to build one without reinventing the wheel. I do enough of that already.
Replies
you could try contacting the author of the article. He's on Instagram at @chalkstonewoodworking
That's good to know! Thank you! I have thus far avoided creating an Instagram (or X, or TikTok) account, but if I can't find someone to reach out to him for me, I'll create an account.
I used chalkstonewoodworking to find his web page, but he has no means of contacting him other than Instagram.
I’d guess you saw this list in your search
https://www.finehomebuilding.com/?s=Steam+box
Yes, thank you. The top result is the article that triggered this. It gives a good view of the box (with a great steam generator idea) but I'd really like to know the details of the pipes inside.
Did you notice that the first result page is one of 603 pages of results? Not good...
how to build a steam box for window sash?
Used the above on google.
Got this among others
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMWRKGcpWys
Outside of building plans, wing it.
I’m sure you saw the use of a metal (formerly) gas can as the steam generator.
"I’m sure you saw the use of a metal (formerly) gas can as the steam generator."
Yes, it was in my reply.
I appreciate the attempt, but the Wood Window Makeover video was just one of a zillion Google results that lack sufficient detail. Building the box is the simple part - I'm talented enough to not need somebody's plans for that. It's the plumbing and venting that I want the details on. Those will make the difference between a good steam box and a mediocre or lousy one. I've read enough on the subject to know that much.
And the idea here is to NOT spend the time to reinvent the wheel...
I have emailed this guy: http://www.oldewindowrestorer.com/steamcabinet.html
If he responds affirming that his plans include good details of the plumbing, racks and venting, I'll gladly pay the $20 to save time. It's those details that matter. I don't want to go to the trouble and expense only to pull out a window sash that has parts of it more than ready and other parts "half-baked".
Keep track here, there’s always a chance somebody with a good answer will show up.
And, when you do build one, come back and show it.
You might help someone else.
I'll definitely try to do that, though it may be awhile before I have time to actually build it. If I buy plans from that guy, I'll have to stop short of sharing his plans.
It sounds like the search function might be too broad, pulling in a lot of unrelated results. You might try narrowing your search by using more specific terms or using quotes for exact phrases like "steam box window sash." As for the steam box design from the article, if the archive doesn't make it easy to find, you could try reaching out to Fine Homebuilding's customer support or community forums directly—they might be able to point you to the exact plans or a similar design without much hassle.
Quotes are an aspect of using Boolean search terms (which have been around since searching began) and SHOULD work on this website, but doesn't. Using "steam box window sash." SHOULD have returned zero results because an article would have to exist that ended with those exact words (because your example included a period within the quotes). Instead, it returns 10,000 results. Try it.
I decided to pay the guy that I mentioned in a previous post the $19.95 for his plans. I have paid but haven't yet received them. Since it's a holiday weekend, I'm letting it slide until after the holiday. As I mentioned to @calvin, I won't share the guy's plans (I consider that pirating). However, once I have time to build and test his design, I will come back here (not soon) and post my successes or disappointments. A "review" of the guy's plans, so to speak, for the benefit of others here.
Thanks for trying!