Hi Guys, can one wet and bend 3mm ply to go round a curved edge easier, it doesn't matter if it gets stained as it will be painted, or will it fall apart after it has dried maybe
I've never tried doing this, but I have heard that steaming the plywood can give better results. Depending on how big the plywood is, you might be able to get away with using a kettle or pot of boiling water for a small piece (guessing at A3-size and under??).
Maybe Anthony can chip in here - he just built that dome with a 3mm plywood skin...
Yes 3mm ply can be bent. Make sure you are using A Bond, ply, ie Marine grade, that will not separate when wet. A steam box is best but if you just use hot water but the outer layer may "check" on you. Timber type make a difference, Hoop pine is favoured in boat building and provides a stiffer ply than the same thickness of Gaboon ply. Gaboon is lighter, but more susceptible to damage than Hoop pine. This knowledge is based on my long experience building boats and hand layup of flared bow boats using plywood.
PS I would not try tight bending radius, say like a counter top edge. You often see ply formed furniture, but that is bent in a steam press usually.
OK, thank for your replies, I will give it a shot and see what happens if it breaks/falls apart, well so be it.
Maybe i should do a test piece and see the end result, anyway thanks.
