Bending 18mm thick ply

[Sixpence]

Hi guys
I have a hole on the deck of my boat that needs filling , so I've bought a piece of 18mm thick ply that's 600mm X 600mm to fill the hole nicely , but the deck is curved quite sharply in that area so has anyone got any good suggestions as to how I can bend it to fit ?
I've thought about steaming it , but wouldn't that cause the ply to de-laminate ?
The other way I can think of is to cut grooves on the inside of the curve but I don't know how far apart or how deep to make the cuts
Any help much appreciated

[jasonb]

You will have a job getting it to bend particularly if its a compound curve.

Get some 1.5mm skinply and some West systems epoxy.

The thin layers will bend to the curve and if you coat each of them with the adhesive, building up the thickness to 18mm once the glue has set they will keep the shape of the curve. You will have to come up with some way of keeping the palers pressed against the curve while it sets.

Jason

[engineerone]

in principal i agree with jason, you will find it difficult to bend the
18mm and keep it there.

would think the logical way is to build a former of solid or even the 18mm to ensure you get the curves in the right places, then laminate the thinner ply onto it. i would think you could use one of those vacuum bags for clothes to give enough setting pressure.

paul

[cadas]

Bending will be almost impossible. Making a mould and laminating thin layers will work but is tricky to get accurate curves.

Other option is to glue 2 or 3 layers of 18mm ply and then belt sand to profile, probably quicker and more reliable.

[rich]

I would think a piece of 8'x2' would be easier to bend than a 2'x2'.
Rich.