discussion help on bending wood

[Guest]

im to the point of planking in the hull of my boat and nead a little help on bending the wood. the wood is 2mm x5mm sapelly and 2mm x 5mm ayous i usely use rubbing acohol for balsa but it doesnt work that good on harder wood.:knight:

 

[Guest]

im to the point of planking in the hull of my boat and nead a little help on bending the wood. the wood is 2mm x5mm sapelly and 2mm x 5mm ayous i usely use rubbing acohol for balsa but it doesnt work that good on harder wood.:knight:

Hi Bribri,

I have always found Poly to be ok, mixed 50/50 with water, however, for realy thick trick bits, have you tried laminating. 5 1mm peices glued at one end only, then formed int the correct shape by using panel pins as formers, once happy, use thin zap and run along the length. Works great on any wood.

Andy

 

[Guest]

I'm doing a planking job at the moment but using 1mm x 5mm pear. Thinner wood obviously bends that bit easier. I soak mine in very hot water for about 20 minutes then clamp it to a former while it cools and dries out. It holds to the formers shape reasonably well with only a small amout of spring left in it but I don't know how 2mm thick planks would behave.

Certainly worth trying.

 

[Ian M]

You could also try soaking it in amonia, If left long enough you should be able to tie knots in it!

Remember to rinse in water once soft enough!

 

[Guest]

- good tips , i also bend wood using plain old heat . not an open flame source ! :nono: it softens the celluose enough to make it ' plastic ' and when it cools retains the curvature . - no drying time ! it really works , i have even formed birch plywood sheet up to 1/16" thick . you have to mind your fingers though . :music_whi

 

[Guest]

i thank you all for your tips