Farlander
Member II
The idea was to post here, get advice, then undertake the project, but I skipped ahead. I blame public education.
The companionway slide was rotted out. It consisted of a piece of 3/4 plywood framed in by some teak slats, two of which were cut in a curve. The old ply was curved as well, and the question arose, how do I put a permanent curve in a replacement sheet of 3/4" plywood?
After gleaning the internet and friends with knowledge, I decided the only viable option for a guy who had just moved across the country and sold all his tools was to use 3/8" ply, double stacked, glued together while under tension. The idea being once the glue cures, the pressure could be released and the board would hold it's curved shape.
I used two ratchet straps to apply the tension. The boards were center marked and clamped at that point. The 'inner' board of the curve was cut slightly shorter than the outer ply, to allow room for the strap hooks to clear the inner ply. Tite bond III waterproof wood glue was used.
The piece has now been cut down to the proper size. The curve held!
Next phase is to sand the pieces bare, then epoxy the ply and teak, assemble with screws and more epoxy, than varnish (or other similar product?)
Open to suggestions for better finishing methods as well as ways it could have been done better.
Thanks!
The companionway slide was rotted out. It consisted of a piece of 3/4 plywood framed in by some teak slats, two of which were cut in a curve. The old ply was curved as well, and the question arose, how do I put a permanent curve in a replacement sheet of 3/4" plywood?
After gleaning the internet and friends with knowledge, I decided the only viable option for a guy who had just moved across the country and sold all his tools was to use 3/8" ply, double stacked, glued together while under tension. The idea being once the glue cures, the pressure could be released and the board would hold it's curved shape.
I used two ratchet straps to apply the tension. The boards were center marked and clamped at that point. The 'inner' board of the curve was cut slightly shorter than the outer ply, to allow room for the strap hooks to clear the inner ply. Tite bond III waterproof wood glue was used.
The piece has now been cut down to the proper size. The curve held!
Next phase is to sand the pieces bare, then epoxy the ply and teak, assemble with screws and more epoxy, than varnish (or other similar product?)
Open to suggestions for better finishing methods as well as ways it could have been done better.
Thanks!
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