Wood Coaster Construction

I've always wondered, how do coaster companies such as GCI and CCI bend the wood for the tracks to such a degree?

by searching on google:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=bending+wood

Actually, I'm not too sure if they use steam or just a pure lamination method. Maybe both. *** Edited 11/24/2004 12:15:45 AM UTC by one sided soldier***

It's a trade secret.

Actually the track layers are cut in pieces around turns. Look at This Picture of Gwazi.

Look at this turn durring construction of Avalance. It is before they are finished putting the layers on. *** Edited 11/24/2004 12:26:50 AM UTC by coasterpunk***

Good job, coasterpunk!
That second picture shows everything you need to know about "bending" wood on a coaster. There's no steam involved. Just lots of clamps, pieces and cutting. After that, lots of long bolts. The only thing actually bent is the steel track, usually in a standard steel bending machine.

It's not rocket science.....

I use my head for more than a hatrack, somtimes. :)

...but not often ;)

You mean they don't train the trees to grow that way???

Actually on SOB they do have to bend the wood when retracking the loop.

Other than that, It's pretty much small sections cut to fit and trimmed.

Chuck