How to Quickly Kerf Bend Plywood and Solid Wood | Woodworking Coat Rack Project

How to kerf bend both plywood and solid wood quickly and easily. Thanks to Dollar Shave Club for sponsoring. Go to DollarShaveClub.com/MakeSomething to get your first starter set for $5!
There are 3 common ways to bend wood; steam bending, bent lamination and the technique used in this video called kerf bending. Out of the three, kerf banding is in most cases the quickest and easiest method and doesn't require any special jigs. The process if fairly simple in which you make a series of kerfs in your wood spaced apart depending on your desired radius. The kerf is cut almost all the way through leaving a little more than a 1/16 skin (veneer) on top. This skin is thin enough to allow it to bend and can be held in place with glue. I prefer using polyurethane (Gorilla Glue) for this technique as it expands when it comes in contact with water filling the gap. This wood bending technique works with both plywood and solid wood. In this tutorial video we go over how many kerfs to cut, spacing and depth without getting into unnecessary math. I use the kerf bending technique to make a stylish coat rack and at the end of the video I'll go over some tips and tricks to get up bending wood with ease!
Kerf Bending Calculator: bit.ly/2SuGjBh
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[@MakeSomething]

Thanks for watching! I've make a playlist of my favorite woodworking projects: kzbin.info/aero/PLhqK_8dnaIW3V6a66AdyRI9DJUZwCSm83

[@brucewilliamsstudio4932]

Very cool..... just what I needed.

[@robertlong2661]

I’ve seen kerf done in the past but something about this video made it look so much easier than I thought it was. You are an amazing woodworker but I really appreciate your ability to make things seem not so out of reach for beginners such as myself.

[@raugust6786]

Thanks for sharing, David! I do "human sized" woodworking primarily, but I am dabbling in 1/6th scale doll furniture. I tested out kerf bending on a 1/4" thick and 1/2" scrap cutting kerfs with my bandsaw (same Rikon one you have) and came out a with a decent bend. I'm thinking of using my scroll saw to make even finer and closer kerfs. Your video helped expand some possibilities for me. Thanks again!

[@sgsax]

The kerf bending and gluing was my favorite part of the NES case build. Thanks for going into more detail on that here. Nice to see you experimenting with not-walnut on this one. 😁 Thanks for sharing!

[@roystoolbox5956]

I've been meaning to recycle my old headboard that has a cool upholstery pattern for an entry-way bench. Gonna experiment with this wood bending option and and create an entry way bench and coat rack/key holder combo. Great projects and ideas as usual. Keep up the good work and continue *Making Things*...

[@gumptionwoodworks4975]

Great work! I will definitely try kerf bending now. They way you did it makes it seem much more obtainable when you dont have to really work out spacing before hand

[@WillPemble]

David! You are amazing, sir! I've spent most of my KZbin time building backyard roller coasters. Now I'm about to convert my first Sprinter and hit the road #vanlife style to visit a great many theme parks. Your instruction and inspiration on Kerf Bending will make all the difference in my next project. #THANKYOU!

[@JK-jl1bf]

I learned so much that I had no idea about wood and I love how modern this looks and it’s really quite easy with some patience and planning. Thank you. I very recently just got my first table saw and I’m learning everything that’s possible with that tool. Part of my searches into sleds and custom jigs, I landed here by complete chance. I was drawn in by the music, believe it or not. I really hate some of the stupid music people put in videos but the track you chose was engaging and not overpowering. The dollar shave club commercial was also super slick and the camera work was nice with the saw blade spinning in the background. The overall video was (for me) inspiring and I downloaded it to watch it again at work. I feel like some practical projects are way more valuable and hold more appeal than some super fancy thing that hardly gets any use. I can see how this video can also be a starter video for designers who want to break into modern furniture building. Thanks again and keep building cool stuff!

[@TheMontwoodMakerCompany]

Thank you, David! I've been stewing on a project for months and this video provided inspiration for a solution! - Louie

[@TheGrantAlexander]

Nicely done and well explained. I tried doing this with red oak the other day (before your video came out of course, so I missed out on the tips/tricks) and it was too fragile. I ended up using baltic birch and it was much easier to bend. Thanks for sharing!

[@MADHFE]

Thanks so much, just about to start my first kerfed project - this has really given me the confidence to try a new tecnique.

[@jonnyshoestring9368]

At last, I now have a shot at bending, uphill now I thought it was all steam but this brings it to the little shed ppl like myself where space is a premium as well as the weather inhibitor. 👍👍👍🏆 I'm signing on up on the strength of this 1 vid. Looking forward to learning a lot more!

[@jennieanddavis]

Thanks for doing a video on this technique! Always wanted to try it but didn't want to take the time to experiment with any client builds. We'll definitely use this in new designs going forward. I'll probably add a few dozen views to this video over the next few years 😂😂 Thanks, David!

[@scrub_nurse_1980]

I think I'm going to try this technique on my crown moldings! Feeding wood diagonal isn't an easy task so I'll give kerfing a go. Thank you!

[@alberswoodworks8347]

Really cool build David! This definitely got me thinking of new project ideas with kerf bending. Thank you for sharing!

[@toucanproductions2935]

Great idea doing the sponsor read over the bandsaw footage, because full disclosure, as soon as you mentioned sponsor I double tapped my screen to skip, but realized that I would miss something if I kept on.

[@DigitalSwagg]

Nominated for The 2019 Digital Swagg Player of the Year : 4:23 You ROCK Dude!

[@Dreez76]

I'm considering getting back into the business of building Hifi floorspeakers, and i am planning on using plywood and having the sides on each speaker enclosure slightly ovalshaped. 2-3 8" woofers, 1 6.5" mid and a hornloaded tweeter.

[@Bonezz024]

Another great video! I love when you show us projects that most of us have the tools to make! Thanks for Sharing.

[@meowzic]

Finally a useful video about bending wood. I've been wanting to add curved corners to cabinetry.

[@MeansWoodshop]

Dude, this is an awesome piece! I loved everything about this video and the technique. I don’t really watch videos and see stuff that makes me wanna go out and try something right away, but I do with this. I’m not sure what, but now I know I gotta try it with something.

[@christofix]

Very interesting to see how you made the curves! Great video as always David!

[@crafts_avenue]

I am making something but you rock dude. just minutes ago I was looking for exactly this method and was wondering if it could be don with solid woods too? and you made it look so double that I'm astound. thank you a bunch you just made my day.

[@johnnydam5730]

Great video David! I really enjoyed this style, with a “talking” tips segment and then a no-talking build segment where you apply the technique. I think this combination could be a really cool new style of videos for you, because you sure nailed it with this one!

[@MakeSomething]

Right on! Thank you John!

[@reforzar]

Nothing else matters. This is beautiful. Great work and explanation.

[@aaronedw77]

I would recommend using some of the sawdust to fill the kerf to fill and strengthen the bend. It is also possible to use a second kerfed section for the back, just remember outside bends will be longer than the inside so you need to account for that when cutting.

[@raymondmcgee4491]

Another excellent build👍🏾. This technique also works well with sheetrock.

[@joefelto940]

Love how clean and organized your shop is! Going to try this!

[@CraigHollabaugh]

Hey, thanks for showing this project, highlighting tips, focusing on specific techniques, mostly importantly editing content down and keeping the video short! Congrats on inspiring us viewers in exactly 10 minutes. Have a great day, now I'm off to make something.

[@MakeSomething]

Thanks Craig! Appreciate it!

[@billdiehl156]

Loved the lesson and the project! Cannot Wait to get out to my shop so I can Be Safe, Have Fun, Stay Passionate aaaand Bend Something!!

[@tooljunkie555]

Was gonna ask about regular hard woods "like walnut" but u answered it.lol Thanks bro this is a cool idea and project 🍻💥

[@stargatefever]

Cant believe i didnt learn about this before when i was actually searching now it shows up in my feed. Now i can make a curved table around my round hot tube

[@tommywilliamson152]

Thank you. I have a couple projects planned were this will possibly solve issues I was trying to figure out.

[@ecrusch]

Super cool project David, and the techniques you use and share with us area very handy to have in your back pocket! It's funny, I always find myself checking out your nice shop while watching the videos. I like to keep my shop neat ^ organized too. It just gets my mind in a better place and allows my work to flow a little more smoothly. (I'm guess three takes before the hat hit the hook and stayed at the end of the video...lol) Thank you again. I really enjoy your work and always learn something.

[@markpatton7431]

This is one of your best prettiest projects.

[@plywoodworking]

Great, thank you for share i will use this for my project

[@WorksbySolo]

Some cool techniques! I want to build something with radius corners now!

[@dylanbennett3851]

Wow what a great video man! Thanks for sharing! The coat rack came out beautifully brother! 👍🏻 keep the great ideas coming.

[@valterleao6795]

Adorei ver seu trabalho, quanta habilidade e criatividade!!! Obrigado por compartilhar comigo seus conhecimentos. Abraço aqui do Brasil 🇧🇷

[@brucecampbellforpresident1393]

Don’t know if you came up with it but the full table sled idea. I’m stealing it. 😊 thanks

[@adamhutchison19]

I guess I’ve never paid close enough attention to your walls before but I just noticed your caricatures of Roy and Norm. I absolutely love them.

[@MakeSomething]

I had a buddy of mine paint them for me!

[@ashishsogsun]

Really nice technique and demonstration, I think for bending backwards you needed to make the grooves on opposite side. Loved it though! I am trying similar S shape bends myself...

[@jonwills4670]

Thanks for sharing this technique! Love the T-shirt!

[@Stu_Louden]

This project has a ton of inspiration built into it. Thanks 🍻

[@dumpsterjerry3577]

What 😮 that is the coolest thing I seen on YT today and I watched a lot past few hrs.

[@drg98125]

Who disliked this? This is a great video for beginner word workers like me :) Thumbs up!!!

[@edgarenmiami]

That looks amazing!!! Gave me a better idea for my desk project. Thank you!

[@felixcat9318]

Thank you for this interesting, informative and entertaining video tutorial. Your presentation, narration, videography and sound were great and your tip to use the expanding Gorilla Glue was really useful.

[@jatx5126]

That looks fun to do, beginner here, will give it a try!!

[@pteddie6965]

What a cool looking coat/key rack and what a creative idea!

[@argonaut3001]

Excellent stuff! I've been looking for a method other than steaming or buying very flimsy 'bendy ply' for a while now. Greetings from London UK. And good shot with the hat lol :)

[@mattmac6546]

You did a great job on that one David. Love it. Looks retro.

[@joshuatharpe9397]

Beautiful piece! I really like the kerf cuts!

[@OzGramcko]

Man, I love your videos! very motivational! You inspire me when you say "make something" at the end of your videos! Keep making more videos (and music too), I wish you the best! Thank you!

[@MakeSomething]

Oh man, thank you!!

[@FredMcIntyre]

Awesome job David! 😃👍🏻👊🏻 Thanks for the info!

[@willemkossen]

i love it. great technique. you explain it very well too. thanks!

[@jhenderson725]

Im so impressed dude. I love!. I didnt know you could do this! I cant wait to make this some time. Happy subscriber!

[@FlippinRejects]

Another great video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and techniques. Keep up the great work.

[@roorattag]

Awesome dude. Think I’ll have some experimenting done this weekend on woods I have in Mexico like Tornillo and Parota and see what happens.

[@BlackDogWoodwork]

Thanks David. Coat rack turned out sweet.👍😎

[@yinkadavies8403]

I am so loving how it turned out! Thank yyyyooooouuuuu

[@mlubecke]

Great video and project. Thank you David!

[@MegaMan111]

I'm watching how to kerf and you're promoting dollar shave club.. Lol I'm a subscriber now ahaha cause I'm also a dollar shave club member 😂👍👍

[@aaronsingh6496]

Thanks for the guide n the website mentioned. Great info...👍👍

[@craigmonteforte1478]

Nice work again David i never tried using Gorrilla glue for that process yet it seems like a great idea to me thanks for the tip on the link to a formula on the kerfs i’ve always just “winged” it inthe past i like the entire design and look of your coat / hat rack i’ve always had one inmy entry ways that was well used for everything included kids backpacks and many other items

[@patrickmeeuwissen9331]

To space your kerf evenly more quickly you could put a small wood screw and cut off thehead where you drew your line and then just place the last cut onto the screw

[@XframeGaming]

I love your "Nothing Matters" shirt! 💖

[@sriramhande3643]

Thank you sir I was searching for such solution for one of my project thank you soo much for sharing the information

[@TimGels]

Good video--thanks! I appreciate you elaborating on the technique you used for the game console.

[@kanedNunable]

gorilla glue is great stuff, i built a pond from it and some block paving. and a little fire pit too.

[@BudionoSukses]

cool project, as always

[@enelgaragedemartincho]

What a great project

[@Bekim8310]

One of the best videos you’ve made!

[@ChiefMoonChunks]

Respect for using the harbor freight clamps. Blows my mind people are spending literally twice the money at Home Depot for the same clamp

[@TheNajSD]

For $100 I have more HF clamps than I'll ever use in my life. Nah I kid, I use every single one. I need more.

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

At first I was thinking, "that's going to be a whaa..?". But by the end I remembered why I like this channel so much. Very clever project.

[@MakeSomething]

Ha! I like this comment!

[@RussellRoefer]

Still loving your content! Nice job on that kerf bend.

[@immortalsofar5314]

Thanks. I'm converting a van right now and I'm facing an existential crisis. I'm used to coding - you want 0.327mm, you code 0.327mm but using reality, pencil marks etc is proving to be a real struggle, especially when everything has to line up at the end!

[@jigarkhinchi3072]

Awesome Idea, David. Thank you very very much.

[@SkateEverythingProject]

Awesome tutorial thanks so much for putting it together!

[@dscritter614]

Amazing! Never even knew u could do that.

[@IronhdTony]

Love your videos dude. Ive been making things for 40 years and you keep inspiring me. Wondering where I can get the plans for the coat rack. Keep building. Tony.

[@EddieCampbell-wi9sw]

This is great thank you for sharing. One question I have is how do you clean up the squeeze out on inside corner bends? Especially when ur using gorilla glue. Thanks, Eddie!

[@MakeForOthers]

You made me not be scared of kerfs...thanks!

[@peggyraun-linde6336]

You make it look so easy that I’m going to try it. I don’t know for what but now I just wanna try it! 🤣

[@spro957]

You just got yourself another subscriber. Wishing you all the best and look forward to seeing more. Sid from UK.

[@MakeSomething]

Thanks Sid!

[@ModernHouseCabin]

What an amazing tutorial, thanks for sharing 🔥

[@eunicysiqueira5119]

Amei sua dica ,muito legal , OBRIGADA

[@lesliecruzado2793]

Great content! I actually learned something today! Thanks!

[@carold.7907]

You make it look easy! Great video.

[@ImGumbyDangit]

Very good video. I'm not really sure yet on how to use the calculator, but I may not have to. I am replacing the top on my tent trailer and I need a 90ish degree bend from the front of the trailer top to the trailer top on 7' wide plywood. Is it safe to bend an entire sheet like this. I also love the idea of the glue your using to expand and fill the kerfs.

[@FredrikRambris]

I love kerf bending. Would love to see a wooden version of a sunglasses case. Like the foe leather one that comes with Ray-Bans but made out of wood veneer.

[@high_fructose_corn_syrup]

Oh my god.. the ideas and possibilities!!!! Ty!!!!

[@nickc4032]

Hello David, great video please post the website you were referring to in the comments/description. Thanks!

[@Grovesrussell]

Interested to know the differences in how you did it and how jimmy did it wears ago. You did straight cuts on 1 side and he did angled on both sides. Any ideas what better or more accurtlatly under which scenario is 1 better or worse than the other?

[@ronaldharris6569]

That's a pretty cool weekend project

[@CDeanhartman]

Very neat and nice looking project!

[@user-um8wp3tk1t]

Looks very nice, man. Good luck in new projects!

[@David-xu3yk]

I used this expanding glue once... let's just say I REALLY underestimated how much it expands! Lesson learned! Haha.

[@MakeSomething]

Hahaha!

[@jmakes3745]

Its a common misconception that you need water for PA glue to work, but all it acts as is an accelerant/ activator - If you're finding it is expanding too much, try without water!

[@David-xu3yk]

@@jmakes3745 good thinking! I'll try that next time I use this glue! Fingers crossed!

[@ccccen]

Darn good video and project, love the cuts and the rack ty.

[@johnblack9038]

I've done one kerf bending project. A coffin. Was done in solid walnut, with a lap joint between boards and the slight angle at the junctions sanded round. It didn't bend nearly as freely as yours did. They would cut the kerf, then nail it in place along the trailing edge and the guys would manually push it down around the frame. Once they got it down one guy would hit it with a couple more nails to hold it down till we got the next board in place. Strangest woodworking project I ever was involved with.