Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Wood Care: => Topic started by: Gardener on September 17, 2018, 01:26:49 pm

Title: Bending thin ply
Post by: Gardener on September 17, 2018, 01:26:49 pm

what is the best way to bend thin ply to form a curved hatch cover ?
Thanks
Dave

Title: Re: Bending thin ply
Post by: Gardener on September 17, 2018, 01:33:37 pm

Ply about 2.5mm thick

Title: Re: Bending thin ply
Post by: david48 on September 17, 2018, 01:38:01 pm

What Radius do you require.
David

Title: Re: Bending thin ply
Post by: Gardener on September 17, 2018, 03:06:02 pm

Hi only a slight curve to match deck curve nothing drastic

Title: Re: Bending thin ply
Post by: grendel on September 17, 2018, 03:51:34 pm

I have managed to bend 5mm ply to accommodate the slight radius of a fore deck, but that is with a good support structure strong glue and stronger clamps, my cabin roofs are curved, but from 1.6mm ply, so you could do two layers (I find one layer curved is plenty strong) I have curved 0.8mm ply very slightly in two planes, but it constantly wants to spring back (once again cabin roof with very slight fore and aft cure as well as side to side).
Ply will naturally curve more one way than the other, so use this to your advantage when deciding on which way you will cut out of the ply.

Title: Re: Bending thin ply
Post by: Gardener on September 17, 2018, 03:53:06 pm

Thanks
👍

Title: Re: Bending thin ply
Post by: Big Ada on September 17, 2018, 06:12:06 pm

Quote from: david48 on September 17, 2018, 01:38:01 pm

What Radius do you require.
David

Try Steam.

Title: Re: Bending thin ply
Post by: Gardener on September 17, 2018, 07:35:40 pm

 :-))

Title: Re: Bending thin ply
Post by: roycv on September 17, 2018, 07:42:21 pm

Hi I use hot water biscuit tins elastic bands hair driers. Go for slightly more curve than you need.  Stop the elastic bands making marks by using scrap wood.
Roy

Title: Re: Bending thin ply
Post by: Gardener on September 17, 2018, 07:49:09 pm

 :-))