Sooo been away a while and some stuff has changed....

[Dougie085]

Welllll I'm thinking about trying to make bendy wood or thin MDF work. Laminating several layers of course. I'm still unsure.....I would certainly love to keep these cabinets as I really want the curved and I've put quite a bit of work into them. So we'll see.

[Gordy]

Would an industrial strength heat gun soften the binder glue in the mdf enough to do small sections without cracking?   

[Dougie085]

Don't think so. The original side panels are pretty much done for. Either I'll build square boxes or I'll spend more time trying to make bendable mdf work. It would probably take me less time to build the new boxes lol.

[richidoo]

Are you cutting slots into the stock to allow it to bend? Are you using 1/2" MDF? Gluiong and clamping might be tough, but you can glue one edge then bend after that dries to make it easier.

[bpape]

I would think multiple layers of 1/4" or 3/8" plywood with kerfs cut in the back every inch or less would allow very easy bending and forming.  I have guys that use this kerfing method on 2x12's for rounded fronts of stages in Home Theaters all the time.  Works like a charm - but it's a lot of work.

Bryan

[Dougie085]

Yeah I did the kerfs. I don't know the more I think about it the more I just want to start from scratch and do the traditional cabinets. I'm just not sure how I can modify it so that using multiple layers of the thin stuff to work. I could sand down the braces so they are the same as the top and bottom pieces but then I may have a problem with getting them all completely right. So then I'd be throwing more money at these cabinets (already 200 into them) and possibly not coming out right.

[Carlman]

Hasn't Brian Bunge been making these curved-sided cabinets for a while?  Is he around to give some advice?  Haven't heard from him in a while...
-C

[Dougie085]

I don't know that he's been doing it a while lol. I think he's built one set? Not sure though and I don't think he's finished them either. I don't think his curve is as dramatic as mine.

[Dougie085]

Well I decided I'm going to grab some bendy board and find some way of making these cabinets I have work. I just have to see when I can get my friend to pick up the wood for me.

[Dougie085]

Well I got the spikes mounted and marked the braces to where I need to trim them to to work with the bendy board. Going to start assembling the second cabinet here soon and then trim both sets of braces get the holes in for the binding posts and spikes. Then get the sides on and after that its all down hill. Cut the holes for the drivers, bunch of sanding, and then veneering. Finish work and then everything goes together.

[bpape]

Hang in there.  Lots of work and hassle but should be worth it when you're done.

Bryan

P.S.  Some pics would be great...

[Dougie085]

I'll take some pics when I get the other cabinet clamped up. Not much has really changed from the last pics. I just drilled some holes for the spikes and marked the edges of the braces.

[Dougie085]

Some pics since you requested This is about all I've done that's new the last couple days. I paid for the crossovers and they will be here week or so probably. I have to pick up some wood for the sides still. Right now I have the baffle for the second tower gluing up then I need to glue up the top and bottoms and then I can assemble.

[Dougie085]

Well I've done as much as I can for now. The crossovers should probably be here end of the week beginning of next week. I still have to get some wood and stuff for the sides. Oh and I set the ports on the back to show where they are going. All 3 will go up towards the top so they aren't anywhere near the back of the drivers.

[miklorsmith]

I think those are going to be sharp.