Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Posted: **Tue Feb 16, 2010 2:36 pm**

I found this information and thought it might be useful approximate guide for other builders...

It seems to apply to standard construction ply.

Minimum Bending Radius for Plywood Panels (Imperial Measurements)

I needed the information in Metric so I have included that here:

Ply Thickness |With Grain |Against Grain
==========================
6mm |600mm rad |1500mm rad
9mm |900mm rad |2400mm rad
12mm |1800mm rad |3600mm rad
15mm |2400mm rad |4800mm rad
18mm |3600mm rad |6000mm rad

(sorry for the poor tabulation)

I have no experience of this data being correct, so if you have alternative experience please mention it here.

Posted: **Tue Feb 16, 2010 8:42 pm**

Al,

When it comes to torturing plywood, teardroppers can bend it in much tighter radii than what was listed.

Posted: **Wed Feb 17, 2010 2:52 am**

Hi Steve, Thanks for the information, how far off do you think these estimates are for standard construction ply?

Posted: **Wed Feb 17, 2010 9:40 am**

My only experience is with 1/8" (3mm) baltic birch plywood. I had to fasten the plywood around a 6" (150mm) radius and 10" (250mm) radius. I was able to adhere the plywood to these areas without needing to steam or soak the plywood, although the 6" radius did put up a bit of a fight.

Posted: **Wed Feb 17, 2010 3:34 pm**

My lower radius is only 4". Am I going to be in for a fight or a losing battle when it comes time to bend it? I plan on using 1/8" baltic birch...

GP

Posted: **Wed Feb 17, 2010 3:42 pm**

GreatPumpkin wrote:My lower radius is only 4". Am I going to be in for a fight or a losing battle when it comes time to bend it? I plan on using 1/8" baltic birch...

GP

You might wrap that with aluminum, and put some diamond plate above it to continue the look and provide a rock guard...

Posted: **Wed Feb 17, 2010 4:05 pm**

At this point the plan is to wrap in aluminum over the 1/8" ply. If I fail that battle I'll try just the aluminum. I have contemplated diamond plate for a rock guard, but am not decided on that. Still have a ways to go and may change my mind a couple times along the way...

:lol:

Posted: **Wed Feb 17, 2010 5:10 pm**

GreatPumpkin wrote:. Still have a ways to go and may change my mind a couple times along the way...

Sounds like the Country Song of the Teardropper! :lol:

Posted: **Wed Feb 17, 2010 6:00 pm**

Great Pumpkin,
Your radius is perfect for wood strips and fiberglass. Let me know if you need more details. All you need is 1) 1X6x6, some glass and epoxy. I/8" strips will butt to your ply perfectly.

Larry C