5 KERF BENDING TIPS AND TRICKS! (For Beginners--Guide To Kerf Bending Wood)

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Kerf bending is the easiest way to create curved wooden structures. This short video from The Honest Carpenter will show carpentry beginners 5 quick tips and tricks that make kerf bending easy to understand!
5 KERF BENDING TIPS AND TRICKS! (For Beginners--Guide To Kerf Bending Wood)
Kerf bending is the process of removing small, thin sections of lumber from a board in order to make it more flexible. When "kerf" passes of a saw blade are removed, the board loses rigidity, thereby allowing it to bend!
The most important thing, though, is that you don't allow the blade to cut all the way through the top surface board. A bit of lumber should be left to keep the board intact.
("Kerf" refers to the width of a saw blade at the teeth...or the groove or notch left behind when a saw blade passes through a piece of stock.)
Check out this video we did on the topic:
• This Is The MOST IMPOR...
5 KERF BENDING TIPS:
1) Set your cut depth accurately. You want to leave just enough material for the board to kerf bend without breaking. This is usually just shy 1/8". On very rigid stock, though, like oak or hardwoods, you may have to cut a little more deeply.
2) Always test your cuts on scrap when you're kerf bending!
3) Spacing matters: the closer kerf cuts are spaced on a board, the tighter the kerf bend radius. Kerf cuts spaced farther apart will produce a shallower kerf bend radius.
HERE IS A GREAT ONLINE KERF SPACING CALCULATOR:
www.blocklayer.com/kerf-spaci...
4) Secure the kerf bent board by either gluing the kerfs shut with the board in a curved position. Or, use a separate piece of lumber attached to the kerf bent board to make it hold shape.
5) You can also curve kerf bending boards outwards, so the fillets open. Just do so carefully! It's best to hide the fillets inside a work piece (like a guitar). Also, it can help to steam or saturate the board a bit before bending it. This makes the wood more pliable.
Thank you for watching the video!
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Пікірлер: 222

@SherooDeen 3 жыл бұрын

I've mastered Kerf Bending and am ready to face the Fire Lord.

@Dasdutt 2 жыл бұрын

Joke level: Master

@xingleihu Жыл бұрын

lmao！

@HelenMcAllister-yk3bx 3 ай бұрын

Avatar kerf deep cut 😂

@dalirose9065 Ай бұрын

I’m not Toph! I’m MELON LORD!

@user-sb3wh3dd4v 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@markkey4416 3 жыл бұрын

Gotta love the down to earth help for amateurs like me, got so much help from your kerfing video, thanks a lot Ethan!

@edover50 4 жыл бұрын

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.

@khanstitution 3 жыл бұрын

Super helpful! Your way of explaining the steps is clear and easy to follow.

@goodcitizen3780 4 жыл бұрын

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.

@roymayh3819 2 жыл бұрын

Simple, quick, effective, love the channel, super educational.

@g-dog100 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent info! Thanks for giving me the confidence to jump into the kerf bending world!!!

@danstrickland9521 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@sufferedenuf 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@TheHandystanley 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@danielhickman9351 3 жыл бұрын

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!! :) :)

@rich4738 3 жыл бұрын

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

@mikery2316 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@badceli7806 3 жыл бұрын

you're so good at explaining!! I'm an art student and this really helped answer some questions I had, just subbed:)

@paradoxdea 2 жыл бұрын

I love you man. I'm more confident in doing woodworking projects. Thank you & bless you!!

@chrisfrate 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@jefff6167 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for all of the great content you create.

@TalencioJamaican Жыл бұрын

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!

@practicallyIndependent 4 жыл бұрын

I love this! I am going to try this. I have a feeling I found a new addiction!

@bruceintas 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@sdkid6059 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@onepercentile Жыл бұрын

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.

@voragonema 3 жыл бұрын

Great description and explanations, thanks!

@ikidambi 3 жыл бұрын

Just what i needed. Very helpful. Thank you!

@pimc172 4 жыл бұрын

What a great video! Wish i had a project to do that required kerf bending!

@rafasimsim Жыл бұрын

Your tips were very useful. Thanks for sharing them!! 👏 👏 👏

@jennihenriikadollery3800 3 жыл бұрын

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!

@g-dog100 2 жыл бұрын

Glad to see you breaking gender stereotypes! Go girl ! Create safety and enjoy the joy of woodworking!!

@eleninikolaraki8915 Жыл бұрын

Thumbs up and keep going! Making something is massively satisfying and you are not alone!

@zeldagoblin 2 ай бұрын

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!

@stevepethel6843 2 жыл бұрын

The groove is the kerf solution...love it

@robertmullins9231 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your knowledge; you are a good man

@glendehaan8010 3 жыл бұрын

Very well presented. Thank you!

@tracywheeler1227 3 жыл бұрын

Wow, Cool Tip !! Learn something new everyday .

@waffi97 3 жыл бұрын

You are the best I am from Saudi Arabia thanks for everything

@mikedisimile2478 3 жыл бұрын

Great job explaining everything thank you

@DominicPannell 3 жыл бұрын

Great vid, thank you - don't know why it only just appeared on my KZfaq list, but your info is really useful (always is).

@TheHonestCarpenter 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Dominic! I appreciate you watching!

@burgbuilds 3 жыл бұрын

This is just what I needed thank for the content dawg ❤️

@ferraezeq 9 ай бұрын

Love your shirt! Thanks for the tips, they're really useful

@Normal1855 4 жыл бұрын

I'm going to try something this week.

@travisandrews4181 4 жыл бұрын

Cool needed info for my next project Thanks

@shellianne5767 3 жыл бұрын

I feel I can actually do this. Thanks.

@vikassm 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@MicBergsma 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome I am glad I found this video!

@jaesedin 3 жыл бұрын

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

@HardHeadMilitary 2 жыл бұрын

I just used this on a job turning a cattle trailer into a mobile bartending business. Excellent demonstration and explanation. Thank you!

@keithmarlowe5569 2 жыл бұрын

You built that for your business or someone else?

@HardHeadMilitary 2 жыл бұрын

@@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

@rickeymedlin6731 2 жыл бұрын

Just what I was looking for.... Thanks

@markduggan3451 3 жыл бұрын

I really want to give this a go.

@TheEhssan0 2 жыл бұрын

The website which you said for kerft was wonderful, thanks

@alangrant5278 3 ай бұрын

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

@robertrivera9956 3 ай бұрын

Thank you for this video.

@MichaelAlm 4 жыл бұрын

This was super helpful, thanks Ethan!

@TheHonestCarpenter 4 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome, thanks for watching!

@erwinteriifaotua842 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks you for your advice.

@erwinteriifaotua842 3 жыл бұрын

I have a question i would like to make a curf 90 degree with a mdf , is it simple or hard top make it?

@michaelgrant4855 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheHonestCarpenter and the case will not have any effect

@ragcell 3 жыл бұрын

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…

@sunnywithpuddles 2 жыл бұрын

Just watched a few kerf-bending videos. Yours was great, thanks for such a complete video. Honestly, I trust your carpentry tips. Subscribing.

@TheHonestCarpenter 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, CHRIS!

@matthewmarler9719 2 ай бұрын

Great information. 👍 Thanks

@ehudgavron9086 3 жыл бұрын

Ethan - echoing another comment... you posted this May 2020 but I just saw it Jan 13 2021! Awesome info... well presented... and thank you :)

@HardGrader 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@TheHonestCarpenter 3 жыл бұрын

Good tip, julesy!

@keithmarlowe5569 2 жыл бұрын

@@TheHonestCarpenter I have seen people mix saw dust with wood glue, like for filling holes and cracks, to fill the kerfs.

@hughtempleton8640 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing.

@ddiddi8361 3 жыл бұрын

thank you from Dubai . v good video it helped me in my home Deco .

@TheHonestCarpenter 3 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome, DDI! Happy to hear from Dubai 😄

@chrisb5086 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! Thanks very much.

@DIYAudioGuy 4 жыл бұрын

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.

@defonotmario 24 күн бұрын

Super helpful, thanks!

@yvonnedavis1363 3 жыл бұрын

U r like a big brother to me thanks alot

@Italanon Жыл бұрын

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.

@jaredtrachtenberg3443 Жыл бұрын

I was able to get 5.5 inch tall mdf baseboard installed around a round wall with your tips. Thanks!

@TheHonestCarpenter Жыл бұрын

Awesome, Jared! 😄

@danielonyango3076 2 жыл бұрын

Ethan James, thanks for the enlightenment,,, it's clearer now to me.

@asimali-dw8qc 11 ай бұрын

awesome idea thanks

@jamesmiller823 4 жыл бұрын

Great vid, thanks

@teresachesnut2419 4 жыл бұрын

Ratchet tie downs help you hold curves quickly

@kikojohnson2094 3 жыл бұрын

Great video!!!!

@pamelanewcomb6583 11 ай бұрын

Thank you so so easy to do thank u

@Chidori2803 Жыл бұрын

Thanks man!

@kentharris7427 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@saraschlosser814 3 жыл бұрын

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!

@worldwideteambasscatdownri6963 3 жыл бұрын

Titebond III & skillsaw are my kerf tools.

@timj1196 3 жыл бұрын

This is great info. I'm wondering if you use two blades on your table saw it would make wider cuts and get more bend of the wood ?

@ferdinandpunzalan6224 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you sir. God bless i hope help me more..

@tomseering4940 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@robertpearson8798 Жыл бұрын

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.

@BhayiCetywa-lo6jq 9 ай бұрын

Thanks very much sir

@pcpjames 2 жыл бұрын

I TRUST YOU YOU’RE A CARPENTER. THANK YOU

@David.M. Жыл бұрын

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.

@TheHonestCarpenter Жыл бұрын

I’ve actually got there first names, David-Ethan Daniel James! I’m used to the confusion by now 😆

@kentgallaway4529 2 жыл бұрын

good job

@ImGumbyDangit 2 жыл бұрын

This is the first video I have watched on Kerf aftering seeing Adam Savage do something like this on one of his builds. I'm getting ready to rebuild the top of my camper. The original build used OSB with a fabric kerf material between the front and the top.which were just straight boards covered in thin aluminum sheeting. I plan on using marine grade plywood and I think kerffing is the answer to matching the top bend. Is it ok to kerf a 7' width of plywood? What's the best online calculator. Thx so much

@jackinthebox-mom5161 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@MatthewCornish 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@JayzeVo17 2 жыл бұрын

If you are making say trim for a half-round window, the angle is 180.

@squalo99 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@karengutoski8632 3 жыл бұрын

Very interesting ! I need to shape 1/4 round to a stone fireplace. Can I use the same method ?

@tylerdass-herod3253 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@juanjimeneztorres7997 3 жыл бұрын

I use to do that , while working on concrete forming.

@murielprunier5236 2 жыл бұрын

MERCI POUR LA VIDEO

@jamesphillips1175 3 жыл бұрын

Love Lumber core materials

@musiqclub9725 3 жыл бұрын

I was wondering!! I'm adding trim to my curved staircase for chair railing....

@MindBodyMuse 8 ай бұрын

Hi-It would be helpful to know the best ways to cut the spaces (wood stoppers?) I plan to try this using a sliding miter saw, since I don’t have a reliable table sled. If it’s not terribly important that the cuts are even…I guess I could just eye it? 👁️ 👁️

@albertmedillo8622 2 жыл бұрын

GodBless you :)

@keithmarlowe5569 7 ай бұрын

I'm attempting 1/2" mdf for a round speaker enclosure. 3" full range surround speakers. I started with 1/4 inch deep, and would not bend. I cut deeper then it breaks. Any ideas?

@jihlnabaat6329 3 жыл бұрын

may i ask a question Could you do this technic for a dome structure like a coop or something else?

@sarah21968 4 жыл бұрын

Amazing

@TheHonestCarpenter 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Sarah! 🙂

@Vincent-gt3gx 3 жыл бұрын

What about curve bending quarter round? I have some stairs that I need to put a quarter round on and they are round. Will method still work using Quarter Round Moulding? Thanks!

@brushbros 3 жыл бұрын

Well if it only takes a saw and a piece of wood I have both. hahaha Great vid.

@ericka.torres786 3 жыл бұрын

hey man do you think it would work for a 1/2" MDF piece but doing it inside out? I'm scared it could break

@jennaknadle8858 3 жыл бұрын

This was such a helpful video, clear concise and easy to understand. Thanks Ethan! Quick question...if I plan to use this technique to build an exposed shelf, what would you recommend to hide the cuts? I have some wood veneer lying around but I'm wondering if there's a better option?

@TheHonestCarpenter 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jenna! Veneering the kerfs is sometimes the only option I’m afraid. Or, could you possibly flip the piece so the cuts are in the inside, and the uncut layers are outside?

@jennaknadle8858 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheHonestCarpenter makes total sense. I'll go the veneer route and hope for the best. Thank you!

@Normal1855 4 жыл бұрын

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.