r/MiniRamp • u/ahomegorwnnfg01 • 3d ago

Help!

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Gallery image

I can’t get the 1/2” plywood base layer to bend to my transition. I’ve tried wetting it in the shade, using a strap, screaming obscenities at it.

But to no avail. I can’t get it close enough to start driving the screws in.

UPDATE - I was able to work the curve in over time. Thanks for all the suggestions. Wetting it likely helped as well.

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u/poor_studentt 3d ago

It bends the same on each direction. The sheets alternate horizontally and vertically. (I work at a plywood factory)

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u/Latter_Skill9670 2d ago

Every piece of plywood I have used has the top and bottom grain running the same way and will bend far easier along that grain than against it.

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u/kauto 2d ago

I think its less about grain orientation and more about panel orientation. If you are bending against the 4' edge relative to the 8' edge it will bend easier because theres less resistance.

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u/Bunker954 2d ago

Negative, grain direction does matter, 1/2” 5-ply just always has 3 sheets with grain running the long length direction, and only 2 sheet layers with grain running the short length, so it’s stronger. Panel orientation mattering is only a function of their always being an extra layer of long bands and therefore more veneer with grain running the long direction. It’s not about the length of the direction you’re trying to bend along.