When I steam wood, I put it on high and let it come to a fast boil, then steam it for an hour and a half. As it's boiling, i set up my press and clamps. Then after an hour or hour and a half of boiling, I pull it out fast and clamp it down as fast as I can, then let it set in the press for a week, then I go back a week later, and do the other side (If what I'm doing is recurving the tips).
Its quite easy really. Just a bit time consuming.