Kerf cut- Not for sissies!!

[iLL Ridge 10+ year member]

They make it look easy on you tube. Finished boxes look phenominal! I am trying to build a 5cube box for 2 12's tuned to 33-34. With a kerf port. Subs up port back.

**** kerf cutting is killing me!!!!

Any tips?

Click to read more...

 

[helotaxi 5,000+ posts]

What technique are you using and what problem are you having?

 

[iLL Ridge 10+ year member]

I'm using a craftsman cheapo table saw. Set depth for 1/8-1/16. Tried 1/2" spacing but smaller is better.

I'm using the ruler guide on the table- *****.

I have an idea of using some strips 1/4" or less wide- sign chloroplast blanks- to stack my spacing. Should keep it consistent enough.

I'm also scared to set my depth too deep, seems like the wood wont be strong enough.

Bottom line is if the cuts are not right the wood wont bend- it WILL SNAP. It won't curve.

I've done about 2 or three nice curves but on scrap peices or the pcs that are good- I f up making the kerf.

 

[iLL Ridge 10+ year member]

this is 1/2 inch cuts- worked nice

 

[bhsdriller 10+ year member]

get the wood wet, helps it bend

\

jk lol

but I remember a guy back in the day tried to soak his mdf in his pool....he posted pics and everything lol

 

[iLL Ridge 10+ year member]

I've seen steam online- and some turning jigs- worked good

 

[Desmond Audio 10+ year member]

but when u curve the wood also weakends it to make it strong again use backer bored on the back were the cuts are to reinforce not many people know that.

 

[CHEMMINS 10+ year member]

Pour resin in the pie shapes made by the kerf for strength.

 

[RAM_Designs 5,000+ posts]

Before bending I'd put adhesive in all of the slits.

 

[iLL Ridge 10+ year member]

Yep I figured the glue in slots would help- already on it.

 

[DonH 5,000+ posts]

1/2" spaced cuts work perfect just like the pic you posted.

 

[Flastrongman 10+ year member]

You should have been here when I double kerfed this entire 4x8 sheet

 

[bubbagumper6 5,000+ posts]

You should have been here when I double kerfed this entire 4x8 sheet

That's ******* amazing...how difficult was it?!

 

[CHEMMINS 10+ year member]

That is way pimp. How did ya do the calc for the cuts to make the radius' the way ya wanted? Or was it trial and error on a test piece?

 

[Flastrongman 10+ year member]

No trial and error, no real calculation per say. It was pretty much an educated guess. It was a pain to make all the cuts across the entire sheet and bending it kinda ****** by myself because of the weight of it, but a little patience and and then some cursing and I got it the first try. This was an 18" truck box for an ext cab ranger.