Are you sure you’re using your power tools safely? Avoid the most common (and dangerous) mistakes! Get your FREE guide here 👉 bit.ly/10PowerToolMistakes
These are all good practices. I have only two things to add. When filling the kerfs, add sawdust to the glue. I've built a few custom bars for homes and businesses using that technique. It's significantly stronger than glue alone. In some projects for watercraft, I've also applied a waterproof membrane on the kerf-side AFTER the curve is set. Waterproof epoxy does a good job bonding to both surfaces. The membrane provides greater rigidity and dimensional stability. Squeeze out can be scraped off and spread around the edges to provide even more waterproofing. Lastly, the EPOXY plus "tape-well" method suggested by julesy44 works very well!. I do that with standard marine grade epoxies for any project that lives near moisture.
This guy is to Carpentry, as Chris Fix is to Car Fixes!!! Two Legends on here who are fully transparent, honest and very detailed and easy to understand when teaching us on here. Aweseome!
I don't watch a lot of this kind of video but whenever I watch one of yours I really appreciate how well they are made, your demeanor, and how informative and concise you are. Thank you.
Thank you for your brilliant demonstrations and advice! I dreamt about becoming a carpenter but ended up studying something else. Finally at the tender age of 32 I'm purchasing some proper tools to work on my flat renovation and find it really hard to get proper service and advice because I am a woman. It is so frustrating to not know what you don't know! Your videos have really got me to a safe start with power tools and cutting, I cannot sing your high praises enough for the educational content you provide!
I'm a 48yo music teacher. I do everything in my home, barring major electrics. My husband and I bought a house of horrors which needed much more work than we knew. We had no budget for a renovation project, so in the end I've spent the last two years researching and renovating myself. It's almost done, I've just laid laminate flooring in the downstairs and it's gone really beautifully. I'm about to build an en suite wet room upstairs, too. Well done on joining the girl DIYer club!
Best video on kerf bending wood that I've found. As a bonus it provides options for utilising everyday tools as opposed to workshops kitted out with $$$$$ worth kit
Good video! In my own tests using the common 'kerf spacing calculator', I've personally found that the recommendations don't really lead to nice curves (my test was on plywood) and results in more angle-based polygons rather than smooth curves. After watching this video and seeing how close the cuts were, I just did another test doing 10mm centres (3.175 (1/8) kerfs) on MDF with 2mm material left and it worked like a dream! Moral of the story: have fun with some trial and error and it'll pay off!
Excellent tutorial. For those interested I used it treated timbers for garden edging, bent timber retaining walls (very time consuming), pizza oven bases with thick concrete sheet on top, endless possibilities.
Awesome. The point about moisture is especially useful! Moisture not only helps keep the last layer intact, but wood glue flows much better on wet wood. Use a generous amount of table salt in the water to prevent mold/rot. Works better than any chemical fungicide.
@@keithmarlowe5569 no sir. It was a client. It turned out really nice. Im not sure if the clien was successful, but it sounded as if she had solid clientel (weddings/rodeos and events) Houston area
I remember going to kerf bending demo with my dad back in the mid 1960's watching it be done on a radial arm saw. Have never forgotten that memory. Thank you for your points.
For maximum durability, temporarily turn the kerfs into "wells" by covering the bottom end with duct tape. Then fill these voids with low-viscosity epoxy, instead of wood glue. Remove tape after epoxy sets up and mill/sand/finish. Flowing epoxy will additionally impregnate the pores of certain hardwoods, such as hickory, creating a super-strong structure.
You consistently produce videos of the highest quality. Your explanations are clear and logical. Everything is well thought out and well organized, with no wasted time. Thank you for all you have taught me.
I recently made an ice box fish bin under the floor of our boat using 2mm (5/64”) aluminium and used kerfs for the stringy bends maybe 1/2 mm deep using a circular saw and a clamped straight edge for a gate. Its was still hard to bend but the bend was crisp. Considering we are working it all out as we go it’s a nice result. Kerf is my new word for the week
Everyone (should) know that hot water or steam is more effective than room temperature water. On trick I sometimes use is to spritz the outside bend, then use a heat gun (or hair dryer?) to simulate heated water. This provides some quick and dirty - and safer - flexibility to kerf-cut projects: the wood is less prone to splitting or cracking / breaking. Nice video…
the first video I watched led me to the second and was exactly what I wanted to make rounded corners for our hot tub repair. Once again.... so helpful! Thanks.
I’ve just tried this out as a test on a piece of 70mm treated timber. 45° over 1m. Worked quite well. I just need to figure out how to clamp when glued. Until that’s done it’s a bit awkward to verify how cose to the angle I am. Will be easier for the ‘real’ piece as it will be much longer even if curving over the same distance. If I’m a few degrees out I can add a couple of extra slots. I used that web site you linked to get measurements. Excellent.
Excellent overview! I'm grateful! I was looking for something relatively straight forward and I found it! I have no tools, so I was also appreciative of the idea to use the square with a skill saw! Those two tools I DO have!
Excellent video. I did not have the confidence to attempt a project until I watched this video! Thank you. I think I can build a curve backed seat for a boat now.
Super good content Ethan! The most satisfying Kerf job I ever did was baseboard mouldings around rounded drywall. corners. This is a skill few know about and you did a fantastic job laying it out. I’ll have to check out those kerf calculators, never new they existed and a reason why everybody learns from your videos.
Great informative video! I have been a carpenter for over 30 years and this is exactly how I thought I could do this. I was considering putting down a layer of fiberglass over the kerfs for added structure. Thanks!! :) :)
Dude, you're so organized and procedural, it's awesome. I love your videos and all that honesty. Regarding the kerf bending, some guys are using CNC 6.2 degree spiral taper bits in their routers to make the kerf glue-ups stronger. I can't imagine the corners on standard kerf cuts would provide much strength without a stringer or edge banding to lock it in place. Bending plywood opens up a ton of possibilities however and I can't wait to make a round chair and curvy furnitures.
I just want to add that two thinner kerf-cut pieces glued back to back over a form works well too, giving a smooth surface finish on both faces of the curve.
Awesome thank you!! This was so clear. I’m wanting to build a mounted wall hammock for my kitten. I am not confident at all in the durability of the ones for sale online, they’re made with cardboard for petes sake!! Lol!! Or some of them are 2 wood poles that fabric is looped around with no knobs on the end of holes, so the fabric could eventually slide off!! I think I’ll kerf bend a piece of wood & set some fluffy fabric on it. Buuuut I’m not sure how I’ll fasten it into the wall. Maybe I could make the slots wider at the ends so I can screw separate wood pieces underneath the kerfed woods ends, & then mount those underneath wood pieces to the wall!
Thanks James? I have been calling you James for the last couple of years, and I just paid attention to your ending that your name is actually Ethan James! I guess it is the price you pay for having two first names. This is great advice. I have never tried kerf bending nor needed it for a project, but I plan on trying it for fun.
Cool video, thanks; I have some leftover scraps to give this a go on. Don't know what I'll make out of it, but it's cool knowledge to know. Seen it before, but the way you explained it made it makes sense along with video descriptions.
I'm getting a CNC Router next month and will try this technique. What I am attempting to make is a triangle that would be more like a120 degree bend instead of 90.
Determining the number of cuts can be quite easy if you draw your bend like you want it (on a piece of paper, or even where it needs to go afterwards). Then you can measure the outside length and the inside length with a tailor meter, or calculate it based on the radius. The difference between the inside and the outside length is the total amount of material you need to get removed. Divide it by the width of the kerf, and you have the number of kerfs.
Just found your channel when I’m about to start making window liners for my boat. Also took a look at the kerf calculator. Can you explain what the curve sweep angle is? Great video, clearly explained and really useful. Thanks
One trick for perfectly consistent, equal kerfs is placing a finish nail in, say the miter gauge(with wood attached to metal gauge). On table saw: Cut first two kerfs at specified separation. Lock blade in right kerf Place finishing nail in second , left kerf and mark miter gauge wood. Drive finishing nail into miter gauge wood. Move wood left, placing right kerf over finishing nail Cut 3rd kerf, 4th, etc. Tip 2: Leaving “spine “ thick If you leave the backbone a little thick, then steam, then glue, you can sand down exterior to get an absolutely flawless, bumpless curve.
I've used kerf cutting lots in my years. I do have a question for you. I'm a custom cabinet builder and build curved compound hoods. Hard to ask actual question without sending a picture. If I can send a pic somehow I'd love to hear your thoughts on an easier method than I'm using. Great video by the way.
I'm restricted with what I can use by my landlord's restrictions, so I'm going to have to use a regular handsaw with a home-made depth stop! If I use a saw with a thin kerf, the 'point' should be tiny yet still effective. It's going to take a while, but I might even give each kerf a bevel so there's no gaps once the piece is bent. This should also give the piece far greater strength, and potentially (if done right) hide the kerfs.
Why do I give a thumbs up before watching the entire video ? = Because I know viewers will be given accurate data . Honest Carpenter is the best . Titebond - Definite Yes Liquid Nails - Takes way too long to dry Gorilla Glue (brown) - Swells and makes bubbles while curing . Continually wiping off Gorilla glue while it cures very hard , pretty much sucks and leaves a lousy finish . Tired of my preaching ? - Me too . Thanks for the video & All the best .
Thank you, Quantum! I totally agree on the adhesive advice. I've had liquid nails globs that didn't dry for three days or more in slightly damp, lightless environments. And gorilla glue is one of those adhesives (like some of the high-yield loctite products I've used) that bubbles and expands so badly I feel you can't turn your back on it. (Crazy strong, but hard to control.) As always, thanks for watching and supporting the channel!
Using scrap is a good idea. Anytime I want to test an idea, I use scraps from the same wood I want to use in my project. So my shop has a bin of different scraps.
Love your video- very informative. Something I’d like to hear from you is how to use a Kerf bend calculator. Curve sweep angle is impossible to figure out.
It’s the change in direction from start to end of the curve. For example if you’re making a square frame but want a curve on each corner, your sweep angle is 90. Hope this helps.
Are you sure you’re using your power tools safely? Avoid the most common (and dangerous) mistakes! Get your FREE guide here 👉 bit.ly/10PowerToolMistakes
These are all good practices. I have only two things to add. When filling the kerfs, add sawdust to the glue. I've built a few custom bars for homes and businesses using that technique. It's significantly stronger than glue alone. In some projects for watercraft, I've also applied a waterproof membrane on the kerf-side AFTER the curve is set. Waterproof epoxy does a good job bonding to both surfaces. The membrane provides greater rigidity and dimensional stability. Squeeze out can be scraped off and spread around the edges to provide even more waterproofing. Lastly, the EPOXY plus "tape-well" method suggested by julesy44 works very well!. I do that with standard marine grade epoxies for any project that lives near moisture.
This guy is to Carpentry, as Chris Fix is to Car Fixes!!! Two Legends on here who are fully transparent, honest and very detailed and easy to understand when teaching us on here. Aweseome!
I've mastered Kerf Bending and am ready to face the Fire Lord.
Joke level: Master
lmao！
Avatar kerf deep cut 😂
I’m not Toph! I’m MELON LORD!
This was funnier than it should have been
I don't watch a lot of this kind of video but whenever I watch one of yours I really appreciate how well they are made, your demeanor, and how informative and concise you are. Thank you.
Thank you for your brilliant demonstrations and advice! I dreamt about becoming a carpenter but ended up studying something else. Finally at the tender age of 32 I'm purchasing some proper tools to work on my flat renovation and find it really hard to get proper service and advice because I am a woman. It is so frustrating to not know what you don't know! Your videos have really got me to a safe start with power tools and cutting, I cannot sing your high praises enough for the educational content you provide!
Glad to see you breaking gender stereotypes! Go girl ! Create safety and enjoy the joy of woodworking!!
Thumbs up and keep going! Making something is massively satisfying and you are not alone!
I'm a 48yo music teacher. I do everything in my home, barring major electrics. My husband and I bought a house of horrors which needed much more work than we knew. We had no budget for a renovation project, so in the end I've spent the last two years researching and renovating myself. It's almost done, I've just laid laminate flooring in the downstairs and it's gone really beautifully. I'm about to build an en suite wet room upstairs, too.
Well done on joining the girl DIYer club!
Best video on kerf bending wood that I've found. As a bonus it provides options for utilising everyday tools as opposed to workshops kitted out with $$$$$ worth kit
Good video!
In my own tests using the common 'kerf spacing calculator', I've personally found that the recommendations don't really lead to nice curves (my test was on plywood) and results in more angle-based polygons rather than smooth curves. After watching this video and seeing how close the cuts were, I just did another test doing 10mm centres (3.175 (1/8) kerfs) on MDF with 2mm material left and it worked like a dream!
Moral of the story: have fun with some trial and error and it'll pay off!
Excellent tutorial. For those interested I used it treated timbers for garden edging, bent timber retaining walls (very time consuming), pizza oven bases with thick concrete sheet on top, endless possibilities.
Awesome. The point about moisture is especially useful! Moisture not only helps keep the last layer intact, but wood glue flows much better on wet wood.
Use a generous amount of table salt in the water to prevent mold/rot. Works better than any chemical fungicide.
I just used this on a job turning a cattle trailer into a mobile bartending business. Excellent demonstration and explanation. Thank you!
@@keithmarlowe5569 no sir. It was a client. It turned out really nice. Im not sure if the clien was successful, but it sounded as if she had solid clientel (weddings/rodeos and events)
Houston area
I remember going to kerf bending demo with my dad back in the mid 1960's watching it be done on a radial arm saw. Have never forgotten that memory. Thank you for your points.
For maximum durability, temporarily turn the kerfs into "wells" by covering the bottom end with duct tape. Then fill these voids with low-viscosity epoxy, instead of wood glue. Remove tape after epoxy sets up and mill/sand/finish. Flowing epoxy will additionally impregnate the pores of certain hardwoods, such as hickory, creating a super-strong structure.
Good tip, julesy!
You consistently produce videos of the highest quality. Your explanations are clear and logical. Everything is well thought out and well organized, with no wasted time. Thank you for all you have taught me.
I recently made an ice box fish bin under the floor of our boat using 2mm (5/64”) aluminium and used kerfs for the stringy bends maybe 1/2 mm deep using a circular saw and a clamped straight edge for a gate. Its was still hard to bend but the bend was crisp. Considering we are working it all out as we go it’s a nice result. Kerf is my new word for the week
Everyone (should) know that hot water or steam is more effective than room temperature water. On trick I sometimes use is to spritz the outside bend, then use a heat gun (or hair dryer?) to simulate heated water. This provides some quick and dirty - and safer - flexibility to kerf-cut projects: the wood is less prone to splitting or cracking / breaking.
Nice video…
the first video I watched led me to the second and was exactly what I wanted to make rounded corners for our hot tub repair. Once again.... so helpful! Thanks.
I love you man. I'm more confident in doing woodworking projects. Thank you & bless you!!
I found your advice "always test on scrap" invaluable. Much thanks.
Simple, quick, effective, love the channel, super educational.
I’ve just tried this out as a test on a piece of 70mm treated timber. 45° over 1m. Worked quite well. I just need to figure out how to clamp when glued. Until that’s done it’s a bit awkward to verify how cose to the angle I am. Will be easier for the ‘real’ piece as it will be much longer even if curving over the same distance. If I’m a few degrees out I can add a couple of extra slots. I used that web site you linked to get measurements. Excellent.
Excellent overview! I'm grateful! I was looking for something relatively straight forward and I found it! I have no tools, so I was also appreciative of the idea to use the square with a skill saw! Those two tools I DO have!
Excellent video. I did not have the confidence to attempt a project until I watched this video! Thank you. I think I can build a curve backed seat for a boat now.
Super good content Ethan! The most satisfying Kerf job I ever did was baseboard mouldings around rounded drywall. corners. This is a skill few know about and you did a fantastic job laying it out. I’ll have to check out those kerf calculators, never new they existed and a reason why everybody learns from your videos.
The groove is the kerf solution...love it
Great informative video! I have been a carpenter for over 30 years and this is exactly how I thought I could do this. I was considering putting down a layer of fiberglass over the kerfs for added structure. Thanks!! :) :)
Thanks for all of the great content you create.
This was super helpful, thanks Ethan!
You’re welcome, thanks for watching!
Thanks you for your advice.
I have a question i would like to make a curf 90 degree with a mdf , is it simple or hard top make it?
@@TheHonestCarpenter and the case will not have any effect
I was able to get 5.5 inch tall mdf baseboard installed around a round wall with your tips. Thanks!
Awesome, Jared! 😄
you're so good at explaining!! I'm an art student and this really helped answer some questions I had, just subbed:)
Gotta love the down to earth help for amateurs like me, got so much help from your kerfing video, thanks a lot Ethan!
Dude, you're so organized and procedural, it's awesome. I love your videos and all that honesty.
Regarding the kerf bending, some guys are using CNC 6.2 degree spiral taper bits in their routers to make the kerf glue-ups stronger. I can't imagine the corners on standard kerf cuts would provide much strength without a stringer or edge banding to lock it in place. Bending plywood opens up a ton of possibilities however and I can't wait to make a round chair and curvy furnitures.
Excellent info! Thanks for giving me the confidence to jump into the kerf bending world!!!
Your tips were very useful. Thanks for sharing them!! 👏 👏 👏
I just want to add that two thinner kerf-cut pieces glued back to back over a form works well too, giving a smooth surface finish on both faces of the curve.
Ratchet tie downs help you hold curves quickly
Super helpful! Your way of explaining the steps is clear and easy to follow.
Love your shirt! Thanks for the tips, they're really useful
Thank you for your knowledge; you are a good man
You are the best I am from Saudi Arabia thanks for everything
Wow, Cool Tip !! Learn something new everyday .
Great vid, thank you - don't know why it only just appeared on my RUclips list, but your info is really useful (always is).
Thank you, Dominic! I appreciate you watching!
The website which you said for kerft was wonderful, thanks
Awesome thank you!! This was so clear. I’m wanting to build a mounted wall hammock for my kitten. I am not confident at all in the durability of the ones for sale online, they’re made with cardboard for petes sake!! Lol!! Or some of them are 2 wood poles that fabric is looped around with no knobs on the end of holes, so the fabric could eventually slide off!! I think I’ll kerf bend a piece of wood & set some fluffy fabric on it. Buuuut I’m not sure how I’ll fasten it into the wall. Maybe I could make the slots wider at the ends so I can screw separate wood pieces underneath the kerfed woods ends, & then mount those underneath wood pieces to the wall!
Just what I was looking for.... Thanks
I feel I can actually do this. Thanks.
Thanks James? I have been calling you James for the last couple of years, and I just paid attention to your ending that your name is actually Ethan James! I guess it is the price you pay for having two first names. This is great advice. I have never tried kerf bending nor needed it for a project, but I plan on trying it for fun.
I’ve actually got there first names, David-Ethan Daniel James! I’m used to the confusion by now 😆
Just watched a few kerf-bending videos. Yours was great, thanks for such a complete video. Honestly, I trust your carpentry tips. Subscribing.
Thank you, CHRIS!
Great description and explanations, thanks!
This is a handy trick for ports in subwoofer enclosures. We typically use wood glue, then reinforce with fiberglass to make sure it is air tight.
Ethan James, thanks for the enlightenment,,, it's clearer now to me.
Just what i needed. Very helpful. Thank you!
I TRUST YOU YOU’RE A CARPENTER. THANK YOU
Ethan - echoing another comment... you posted this May 2020 but I just saw it Jan 13 2021!
Awesome info... well presented... and thank you :)
Great video buddy. I’ve always had a decent idea about this but you answered a lot of questions that I didn’t even know that I had. 👍👍👍Thanks again.
Cool video, thanks;
I have some leftover scraps to give this a go on.
Don't know what I'll make out of it, but it's cool knowledge to know.
Seen it before, but the way you explained it made it makes sense along with video descriptions.
Awesome I am glad I found this video!
I really want to give this a go.
Thank you for teaching us
I'm getting a CNC Router next month and will try this technique. What I am attempting to make is a triangle that would be more like a120 degree bend instead of 90.
This is just what I needed thank for the content dawg ❤️
Titebond III & skillsaw are my kerf tools.
Great job explaining everything thank you
U r like a big brother to me thanks alot
thank you from Dubai . v good video it helped me in my home Deco .
You’re welcome, DDI! Happy to hear from Dubai 😄
I love this! I am going to try this. I have a feeling I found a new addiction!
Super helpful, thanks!
Thank you for this video.
Great video! Thanks very much.
I'm going to try something this week.
Thank you for sharing.
Great information. 👍 Thanks
Determining the number of cuts can be quite easy if you draw your bend like you want it (on a piece of paper, or even where it needs to go afterwards).
Then you can measure the outside length and the inside length with a tailor meter, or calculate it based on the radius.
The difference between the inside and the outside length is the total amount of material you need to get removed. Divide it by the width of the kerf, and you have the number of kerfs.
awesome idea thanks
Thank you so so easy to do thank u
What a great video! Wish i had a project to do that required kerf bending!
Thanks man!
Very well presented. Thank you!
Thanks very much sir
Great video!!!!
Cool needed info for my next project Thanks
Just found your channel when I’m about to start making window liners for my boat. Also took a look at the kerf calculator. Can you explain what the curve sweep angle is? Great video, clearly explained and really useful. Thanks
I use to do that , while working on concrete forming.
Thank you
One trick for perfectly consistent, equal kerfs is placing a finish nail in, say the miter gauge(with wood attached to metal gauge).
On table saw:
Cut first two kerfs at specified separation.
Lock blade in right kerf
Place finishing nail in second , left kerf and mark miter gauge wood.
Drive finishing nail into miter gauge wood.
Move wood left, placing right kerf over finishing nail
Cut 3rd kerf, 4th, etc.
Tip 2: Leaving “spine “ thick
If you leave the backbone a little thick, then steam, then glue, you can sand down exterior to get an absolutely flawless, bumpless curve.
good job
I've used kerf cutting lots in my years. I do have a question for you. I'm a custom cabinet builder and build curved compound hoods. Hard to ask actual question without sending a picture. If I can send a pic somehow I'd love to hear your thoughts on an easier method than I'm using. Great video by the way.
Thank you sir. God bless i hope help me more..
MERCI POUR LA VIDEO
Thanks
I'm restricted with what I can use by my landlord's restrictions, so I'm going to have to use a regular handsaw with a home-made depth stop!
If I use a saw with a thin kerf, the 'point' should be tiny yet still effective.
It's going to take a while, but I might even give each kerf a bevel so there's no gaps once the piece is bent.
This should also give the piece far greater strength, and potentially (if done right) hide the kerfs.
GodBless you :)
SUPERB
Well if it only takes a saw and a piece of wood I have both. hahaha Great vid.
Why do I give a thumbs up before watching the entire video ? = Because I know viewers will be given accurate data . Honest Carpenter is the best .
Titebond - Definite Yes
Liquid Nails - Takes way too long to dry
Gorilla Glue (brown) - Swells and makes bubbles while curing . Continually wiping off Gorilla glue while it cures very hard , pretty much sucks and leaves a lousy finish .
Tired of my preaching ? - Me too . Thanks for the video & All the best .
Thank you, Quantum! I totally agree on the adhesive advice. I've had liquid nails globs that didn't dry for three days or more in slightly damp, lightless environments. And gorilla glue is one of those adhesives (like some of the high-yield loctite products I've used) that bubbles and expands so badly I feel you can't turn your back on it. (Crazy strong, but hard to control.) As always, thanks for watching and supporting the channel!
Love Lumber core materials
Using scrap is a good idea. Anytime I want to test an idea, I use scraps from the same wood I want to use in my project. So my shop has a bin of different scraps.
Love your video- very informative. Something I’d like to hear from you is how to use a Kerf bend calculator. Curve sweep angle is impossible to figure out.
It’s the change in direction from start to end of the curve. For example if you’re making a square frame but want a curve on each corner, your sweep angle is 90. Hope this helps.
If you are making say trim for a half-round window, the angle is 180.
Awesome
thanks for sharre