Steam Bending

In addtion to a form, you need a bending strap. This is a piece of spring steel attached to a long boom.

Here is the form used to shape the gentle central curve of the coffee table, and the bending strap holding a piece of wood.

The wood to be bent is clamped into the strap. The near-end of the strap (the one with the clamping mechanism) is then moved into a notch in the form and wedged in place using a metal post. Then one or two stout woodworkers lean into the far end of the boom and with some effort bend the wood around the form. Notice how the bending table is bolted to the floor!

The strap provides backing for the wood so that it doesn't split as it bends.