To kerf or not to kerf

Finishes, paints and coatings

To kerf or not to kerf

Postby Mark Gunter » Mon Feb 06, 2023 5:28 pm

I’m ready to skin the top & using 1/4” birch (not Baltic birch) plywood. My front end has a 24” radius. Do I need to cut kerfs before bending? And if so, any recommendations on how far apart to make the kerfs?

Thanks in advance
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My Gunter Li’l Standy build journal:
https://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=75291
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Re: To kerf or not to kerf

Postby QueticoBill » Mon Feb 06, 2023 7:33 pm

2' is about minimum bend radius for 1/4". personally, I'd worry about kerfing it, afraid it would split opposite kerf. I read you should be able to make it more pliable by wetting it - wet towels for a day or two. No personal experience with wetting.
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Re: To kerf or not to kerf

Postby Mark Gunter » Tue Feb 07, 2023 8:13 am

Thank you, I went ahead without kerfing last night and got it done.
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My Gunter Li’l Standy build journal:
https://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=75291
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Mark Gunter
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Re: To kerf or not to kerf

Postby Mark Gunter » Wed Feb 08, 2023 5:32 pm

I used straps to help out on the last half of the panel. My tt is a standy, 7'3" wide

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I'm a happy man, I love my life!

My Gunter Li’l Standy build journal:
https://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=75291
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Mark Gunter
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