I do have to say 1911 you were the guy that walked me through that radius deck and gave me the idea of the top template. Your Gracious teachings have not been forgotten sir. :thumbsup:

 

And I have you to thank for blessing me with the avocado fetish. :laughing:

I might add I had 2 avocados and a bag of chips just a few minutes ago.

 

I have kerfed many 6" baseboards though, and stair bottom risers...

 

A kerfed rim is fine as long as it's main job is just to hold fashcia.

 

Yeah, it's not structural. I've noticed if you don't space the kerfs somewhat evenly spaced and perpendicular to the edge of the board, it's a pain to get a nice smooth gradual curve. Neatness counts when kerfing. If there are big knots in the board, forget about it.

Yep, I lay them out accurately. Also, depending on the radius you need to pay attention to the spacing of the kerfs and the depth. I'd do a practice piece First.

 

Yep, I lay them out accurately. Also, depending on the radius you need to pay attention to the spacing of the kerfs and the depth. I'd do a practice piece First.

Sliding miter saw or speed square and Skil saw?

Last time I kerfed a 2x I used my worm drive and a speed square. I put a Sharpie mark on the foot of the saw to line up with the previous cut. I'm sure there's always a better/faster way.

 

Some times, but it's best not to talk about it here... :laughing:

Keep it clean, remember... :laughing:

 

Could block the joists then just have a 3/4 board just to cap it. Get fancy and cut the blocks on an angle.

 

Dude. Short rail and track saw! Why didn't I think of that sooner

 

maybe it's better to use a trim saw so the kerf cuts are thinner ..

 

i have done radius in redwood with kerfing . it worked smooth .certain i kerfed deeper then 1/2" though . it seems to be a cost affective easy method where as glueing up thin boards rarely makes it to budget .i agree with Killer Decks -clients want the curves till cost is discussed .
been years since i have used the kerfed method will try it again soon .also might soak in water and dish soap .used this method for bending 3/4" base trimming out interior once . I will make a trough with a tarp -fill with water and a little soap .soak the 2x material 1/2 day ,should make the bend easily .

 

I use a surfactant if the curve is radical on an inside radius when gluing up.

Simple little trick >> Downey fabric softener << mix some up with water in a squirt bottle, use a hand iron , same one used to press shirts, place a shop rag on the preform, bend the material.

Works Great.

John www.deckmastersllc.com

 

Use your pants instead of a shop rag... two birds with one stone... :laughing:

 

I have a really nice board bender, that boils the product to be bent, does 5-16' boards at a time.

rolls behind on a trailer, self contained unit.

Will let it go?????? just send me pm and i'll confess to all about it.