kerfing plywood

[gotparts90 10+ year member]

any tips? I have made curved scoops before by using multiple layers of 1/4 inch but want to try kerfing to make a tighter bend for my new box for 2 10 inch icons. should i steam whats left of the cut to keep it from cracking? I am going to experiment a little tomorrow to see what happens. I have lots of birch left overs I never use mdf and just don't want to go buy any.

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[DidUHearThat? 10+ year member]

Crack what the kefy cut or the ply bend? If it's thin ply and your worried about it cracking the kerf cuts; one trick is to temp screw some wood on one, or both sides of the kerf area.

Of if your worried about cracking the ply, yeah, steaming helps. So does building a jig, but that's alot of work.

For bent wood, ply is better. Steaming MDF ruins it faster than ply.

Wooden boat, especially kayak, builders will cut the ply into strips and then "stitch and glue" the ply into any shape they want, then fiberglass the whole thing. Sometimes over a simple jig. Light, strong, waterproof and you can make almost any shape.

 

[gotparts90 10+ year member]

I have done thin ply and make a little frame jig like a skate ramp kinda but just want to bend the whole .75 at once one this one. I think i will make my sides first that will be the jig then wrap it on that. I have just never made a tight bend with plywood and want to see how tight anyone else has gone without cracking

 

[bonesninja 5,000+ posts]

1.5" radius with 3/4" MDF

 

[gotparts90 10+ year member]

1.5" radius with 3/4" MDF

I am not using mdf its a little box for 2 10s sealed and am raiding the scrap pile of plywood. but thanks for the numbers maybe Ill shoot for a nice 3 inch or so that should keep the stress down. I am going to start it in the morning.

 

[bonesninja 5,000+ posts]

I am not using mdf its a little box for 2 10s sealed and am raiding the scrap pile of plywood. but thanks for the numbers maybe Ill shoot for a nice 3 inch or so that should keep the stress down. I am going to start it in the morning.

i think 3" should be pretty achievable...try one cut every 1/2"...make 12 cuts. Last 3" inch i did , thats what i used

 

[gotparts90 10+ year member]

thanks for the info on cut spacing if this works out I may start kerfing scoops instead of using a rectangular box and building ramp inside. It would save on wood and be lighter a real plus for mobile DJs and bands. maybe if my brothers around Ill get some pics I haven't had a working camera in months.