Replies

1. 
   Metod | Dec 09, 2012 10:25am | #1

   Panels

   Chris,

   I have never done this - so take it with a grain of salt...

   I would bend the panel stock first. If with hand-held router, I would use shallow cuts - with an offset parallel surface for greater support. With a router table or a shaper, again, shallow cuts for greater control, snug against the fence, rock the panel as you are making a pass. You will probably have to smooth the reliefs manually, like with a plane.

   Good luck and best wishes,

   Metod

2. 
   RalphBarker | Dec 10, 2012 07:48pm | #2

   rout then bend?

   Although I usually agree with Metod's suggestions, I think I'd rout the panels first, and then bend. Trying to use a raised-panel bit on a curved panel would make me really nervous.

   As to making the curves, I think I'd steam them (both panels and rails), using a clamping form that has a sklightly tighter radius than the final profile, so as to allow for spring-back. That strikes me as being a more reliable method than trying to do kerf-cut bending.

   I would also suggest doing experiments with the whole process prior to working your actual panels and rails. You might need to adjust the radius of the clamping form for either the rails or the panels, as the amount of spring-back might not be consistent between them.

1. 
   cdambrosio | Dec 10, 2012 10:00pm | #3

   Your point is well taken, I was thinking the same thing as far as steaming.  I never done it before so I think I may pass on this job.

   Chris

2. 
   Metod | Dec 12, 2012 08:26am | #5

   Ralph,

   I sent you a PM, as I keep being filtered out.

   Metod

3. 
   mrossk | Dec 11, 2012 10:26am | #4

   You can bend a panel in the vacum bag, either with "bender board" or with 1/8" plywood depending on the curve, use a curved fence on the router table with good vertical support to "raise" the panel, and then veneer the whole thing. If the angle of the raise isn't to severe, and the veneer is in good shape (perhaps using a veneer softener) and working the veneer down with manual pressure in the bag, you can get it to conform to your shape.

     good luck,

   Michael