Plywood may seem rigid but is full of potential for curves and contours. As we dig into the art of transforming flat wood into expressive shapes, it becomes clear that plywood is more than meets the eye. Bending plywood is possible for expert tradesmen and amateur DIY enthusiasts. In this guide for on how to bend plywood, you’ll uncover the knowledge you need to be successful. From plywood selection to techniques both old and new.
The Ply-Weekly Newsletter
Receive a curated roundup of the best in the world of plywood – every two weeks.
What is Plywood?
Plywood is an engineered wood product made by layering thin slices of wood, known as veneers, on top of each other. Each layer is glued with its grain running at right angles to the adjacent layer. This cross-graining technique gives plywood added strength and stability, minimizing wood expansion and contraction.
Typically, an odd number of layers are used to prevent warping. The outer layers, or “faces,” determine the plywood’s grade and appearance. High-quality plywood, such as Baltic birch or Australian hoop pine, employ harder wood for durable surfaces. The variety of woods and the number of layers result in different thicknesses and types.
Used extensively in construction, furniture-making, and crafts, plywood comes in large sheets that are cut to size as needed. Thin plywood is more pliable, while thicker sheets offer greater structural integrity. Plywood’s ability to cover large areas and form curved surfaces makes it a popular choice compared to solid wood.
Why Bend Plywood?
By curving plywood, designers and builders can craft elegant furniture with flowing lines and architects can realize complex structures that demand more than just flat surfaces. Bent plywood can also bring ergonomic benefits to products like chairs and cabinetry, making them more comfortable and user-friendly. Adapting plywood to fit irregular spaces without cutting can maintain the strength of the material, which is crucial in both construction and design.
Benefits of Bending Plywood
It allows for seamless continuity in designs, giving projects a more refined, high-end look. Curved plywood pieces add a dimension of sophistication and can act as a focal point in the room. Bending requires fewer cuts and joints, resulting in a stronger piece with less waste, and can often be more cost-effective than using solid wood, considering the lower material costs and reduced labor for shaping and finishing.
Types of Plywood Suitable for Bending
Certain types like Baltic birch, Australian hoop pine, and lauan plywoods possess qualities that make them better suited for bending projects. These include a high layer count, thinner veneers, and consistent pliability. Specially manufactured bendable plywood, which can have a looser core, allows for easier shaping around curves. It’s important to choose the right type of plywood depending on the tightness of the curve and the application; as a rule of thumb for sharper bends, thinner plywood is better.
What About Bendable Plywood?
It would be remiss if we didn’t discuss bendable plywood. This type of plywood can be found in most home and hardware stores and the name explains itself. It is a cost effective way to get plywood which is designed to handle curves. The reason why you might choose to not use bendable plywood is if you specifically want the look and feel of something like Baltic birch or Australian hoop pine.
Tools and Equipment for Plywood Bending
Get the right tools for the job:
- Wood glue: to laminate layers of plywood together for added strength on the bent sections.
- Bending form: a shaped template used to hold the plywood in place while it dries.
- Bar clamps or strap clamps: to secure the plywood against the form.
- Kerf cutting tools: for creating kerf cuts that allow the plywood to bend easily (suitable for gentle curves).
Methods of Plywood Bending
A newer method is kerf cutting, where grooves are cut into plywood, allowing it to curve smoothly. Kerf cutting involves making cuts along the back of the plywood sheet spaced closely together. These cuts, or ‘kerfs’, should not go all the way through; rather, they partially penetrate the plywood thickness, keeping the front intact. This partial cutting provides flexibility, enabling the plywood to bend around a curved form.
The number and depth of the kerfs depend on the desired curve’s tightness and the plywood’s thickness. Typically, the thicker the plywood, the wider and deeper the kerfs need to be. After bending the kerfed plywood to the shape needed, wood glue is usually applied within the grooves to secure the curve shape upon drying.
Clamping the bent plywood against a bending form ensures the desired curved surface is obtained. This is where bar clamps come into play, holding the plywood in position until the glue sets.
Common Plywood Bending Projects
- Furniture Making: Chairs, tables, and shelving units often require curved plywood for a modern and aesthetic design. Using thinner plywood makes the bending process easier.
- Cabinetry: For a unique look, curved surfaces on cabinet doors or panels can be achieved with bendable plywood, which conforms to a bending form.
- Musical Instruments: From guitars to violins, the curved bodies are frequently crafted from layers of thin plywood.
- Skateboard Ramps: Plywood sheets, typically thicker to withstand the weight and force, can be bent to create the curved surfaces needed for ramps.
- Boat Building: A traditional method for constructing the curved hulls of boats often involves bending and gluing several plywood pieces.
Bending plywood requires patience and careful handling, whether you’re using kerf cuts for easier bending. Bar clamps and wood glue are common tools and materials needed to hold the plywood in shape while it sets. Plywood thickness can vary, but using thinner plywood or specific types like lauan plywood often makes the bending process smoother.
Tips and Techniques for Successful Plywood Bending
A helpful tip is to score the plywood by making kerf cuts on the side that will face inward on the curve; this reduces the tension and aids bending. Gradually apply pressure using bar clamps to shape the plywood against your bending form, and secure it until it fully dries and sets. Remember to be patient; rushing the process can lead to cracks or breaks.
Not All Plywood is Suitable for Bending
When bending plywood, the flexibility of the stock matters. Not all plywood is made equal in this regard. Solid wood pieces or plywood thicker than an inch might not bend well. Always consider the grain direction and the intended final use when selecting plywood for your project, ensuring it supports the structural requirements of curved surfaces.
Creating Bending Forms for Plywood
A bending form is essential for shaping plywood into a specific curve. The form should mirror the desired curve of your final piece. To create one, outline the curve on a flat surface and construct a sturdy form from solid wood or several layers of plywood glued together. Cover the contact surface with a smooth, flat material to prevent indentations on the bent plywood. Secure the soaked plywood to the form using bar clamps, applying even pressure to prevent warping. Allow sufficient time for the wood to dry and adapt to its new shape. With a well-made bending form, even complex curved surfaces can be achieved with consistency and precision.
Advanced Plywood Bending Techniques
Laminating Plywood for Bending
Start by preparing thin layers of plywood or veneer. Apply a consistent coat of wood glue between each layer, ensuring the grain direction alternates for maximum strength. Stack them on a bending form before the glue sets, using bar clamps to apply even pressure across the entire piece. Depending on the glue used, the drying time can vary, but patience is key as rushing can weaken the bond.
Cold Press Bending Plywood
Cold press bending is a less-heat-intensive way to shape plywood. It’s ideal for gentle curves and can be performed on thicker sheets of plywood that would otherwise crack using traditional methods. Select a bendable plywood variety like Baltic birch. Construct a bending form according to your desired curve. Apply glue to the surface of the plywood, and place it on the form. Use clamps to press the plywood against the form, ensuring it molds into the desired shape. Leave it in place until the glue has fully cured. The result is a cleanly bent piece of plywood that retains its form and strength.