Replies

1. 
   KeithNewton | Jun 25, 2006 05:58pm | #1

   By Red cedar, are you talking Western Red, or Thuja Plicata, or Eastern, Juniperus Virginana. I have never tried either, but The juniper is very brash, and I would not give it very good odds. The western cells are so long, thin and hollow, that while the wood may soften, it is more likely that the cells would just wad up and deform rather than slip by one-another. If it did bend, it would need to be fastened to something to hold it in place.

   What is the nature of the part that you have in mind? Maybe a grown crook will work if you only need a couple of parts.

1. 
   Pondfish | Jun 25, 2006 07:05pm | #2

   I suspect it is eastern red cedar, but could be western.  It's clear and the grain is straight.

   I'm making a small soap/shampoo holder for an outside shower and I want to make a curved railing.  It needs to be dimensional lumber, not a "natural" piece, running about 4"x8" or 6"x12", so a radius between 4-6" is my guess.

   I expect I'll just do an experiment with some scrap pieces, checking bending every 10 minutes.  But I was hoping to get some guidance from those experienced in handling cedar.  I've bent oak, but not cedar.Recommending the use of "Hide Signatures" option under "My Preferences" since 2005

2. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Jun 25, 2006 09:09pm | #3

   That's pretty tight for 3/4" lumber.  You'll have better luck if you use a metal bending strap on the outside of the curve; wood compresses along the grain much more happily than it lengthens.

3. 
   bigfootnampa | Jun 25, 2006 10:37pm | #4

   Rip it and laminate it... there is NO WAY you'll bend cedar to that radius in 3/4" thicknesses.  It doesn't matter what kind of cedar either.

   
   

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   Edited 6/25/2006 3:39 pm ET by bigfootnampa