A Guide to Achieving Plywood Flexibility: 10 Simple Steps Illustrated.

1

Construct a shape with MDF (medium density fiberboard). Utilize a pencil to sketch the outline of the curvature you desire to flex the plywood on a piece of MDF. Cut out the outline with a bandsaw. Replicate the shape on additional MDF and cut out more layers for the shape. Ensure you have sufficient layers so that the height of the shape matches the width of the plywood you intend to flex. Adhere the layers of MDF together to finalize the shape.[1]

• You can acquire medium density fiberboard at your nearby hardware store.
• Always wear protective eyewear while using a bandsaw.
• You can even utilize a jigsaw to cut it.[2]

2

Securely fasten the plywood to the shape using bar clamps. Position the plywood adjacent to the curved side of the shape. Place one end of a bar clamp on the far side of the shape, and the other end of the clamp on the outer-facing section of the plywood directly opposite it. Rotate the handle on the clamp in a clockwise direction to firmly affix the plywood against the shape. Keep adding clamps to the plywood until it is fully secured along the curved side of the shape.[3]

• Ensure you clamp the ends and center of the plywood being bent.
• If you notice gaps between the plywood and the curved side of the shape, apply a clamp over them.

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3

Allow the plywood to remain clamped to the shape overnight. This will provide enough time for the plywood to bend under the pressure of the clamps. Do not rush this step; removing the clamps prematurely may cause the plywood to lose its curved shape.[4]

4

Detach the plywood from the shape. Loosen and remove the bar clamps by rotating the handles counterclockwise. Once all the clamps are removed, take the plywood off the side of the shape.[5]

5

Evaluate the bent plywood using your hands. Attempt to gently flex the ends of the plywood to determine if it straightens out or maintains its curved form. Flip the plywood upside down, resting it on the ends, and apply downward pressure on the center of the curve with your hand. If the curve does not hold, re-secure the plywood to the MDF shape.

• If you still can’t get the curve to hold, try gluing extra layers of plywood over your original piece and re-clamping it to the form. Making the plywood thicker will assist it in bending more effortlessly.[6]

1. 1

   
   

   Obtain a ratchet strap with S-hooks. A ratchet strap, also known as a tie-down strap, is a nylon strap with a hook on each end. There’s a ratchet in the middle of the strap that can be used to tighten it. Ensure that the strap you acquire has S-hooks so it can be attached to the plywood.[7]

   
   

   • You can find a ratchet strap online or at your local hardware store.
   • Read the label to determine if the ratchet strap has S-hooks.
2. 2

   
   

   Attach the S-hooks to opposite ends of the plywood. Center the hooks on the end they’re attached to. Do this with the piece of plywood lying flat so that the S-hooks do not slide off. Once the hooks are in place, the ratchet strap should run down the center of the plywood, with the ratchet somewhere between the two hooks.[8]

   
   

   • You may need to thread the strap connected to one of the hooks through the ratchet so that both sides of the strap are connected.
3. 3

   
   

   Utilize the ratchet to tighten the strap until the plywood is curved as desired. To tighten the strap using the ratchet, raise and lower the handle repeatedly. Every time you raise the ratchet, it will eliminate some of the slack. Continue lifting and lowering the handle on the ratchet until the plywood is bent to the desired shape.[9]

4. 4

   
   

   Leave the ratchet strap on the plywood overnight. After allowing the plywood to rest overnight, remove the ratchet strap. To remove the strap, lift the handle on the ratchet and pull it all the way back so that it lies flat on the strap. You should hear a clicking sound and the ratchet should remain open. Remove the S-hooks from the ends of the plywood.[10]

5. 5

   
   

   Test the curved plywood. Position the bent plywood on a flat surface so that it rests on the ends. Apply pressure to the center of the curve with your hands to observe if the plywood straightens out. If the curve does not hold, re-attach the ratchet strap and allow the plywood to sit for a longer period. You can also glue additional layers of plywood onto the curved plywood, using clamps to secure them in place. The more layers you add, the stronger the curve of the plywood will be.

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• Query

  Is laminated plywood sturdy enough for the rockers of a rocking chair?

  It relies on orientation. If you slice five identical, lengthy, curved shapes from a piece of 3/4 inch plywood, and attach them together, you will have a very robust roller/rocker leg.

• Query

  Which technique would be most responsible for a skateboard ramp?

  Select a thin and flexible timber, generally 1/8 Baltic birch ply, and secure it down to a form, usually 2x4s because they're inexpensive. The bend on a ramp typically isn't very extreme since it is usually at least at waist height (let's say 36 inches). That height is the bending radius and usually plywood of that thickness can bend considerably tighter (up to 24 pretty easily but sometimes much more).

• Query

  How do I flex walnut timber?

  Kerf bending works well with walnut where the inside radius is concealed and you have a curved frame to glue it to. You also can steam bend if the inside radius will show.

Discover more responses Ask a Query

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• Plywood
• MDF
• Wood adhesive
• Clamping bars
• Bandsaw

• Plywood
• Ratchet strap with S-hooks

1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch

Co-authored by:

Home Improvement Expert

This article was co-authored by Ryaan Tuttle and by wikiHow staff writer, Kyle Hall. Ryaan Tuttle is a Home Improvement Expert and the CEO of Best Handyman, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 17 years of experience, he specializes in constructing home service businesses, focusing on creating scalable and efficient brands. With the assistance of his global team, the companies have achieved over 10 million in sales and received recognition through magazine features, and enjoy partnerships with wikiHow and Jobber field service software. Boston Magazine and LocalBest.com have named Best Handyman Boston the Best Handyman in Boston. Ryaan holds Construction Supervisor and Home Improvement Contractor Licenses. This article has been viewed 559,561 times. Co-authors: 12

Updated: June 22, 2023

Views: 559,561

Categories: Wood

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