# Kerf bending for smooth contours **URL:** \ **Category:** Projects\ **Created:** [May 31, 2018, 8:09pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/kerf-bending-for-smooth-contours/4178 "2018-05-31T20:09:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Redwood](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f08c70/32.png) [@Redwood](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/Redwood)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2018, 8:09pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/kerf-bending-for-smooth-contours/4178/1 "2018-05-31T20:09:23Z")
Hi all, I’m excitedly searching for project ideas as I await my June Maslow shipment! I found this cool looking chair that uses kerf bending here [http://www.instructables.com/id/Bent-Plywood-Chair](http://www.instructables.com/id/Bent-Plywood-Chair) According to that post “Kerf bending is achieved by cutting through the plywood so that the last layer of underlying wood is left in tact. With multiple cuts made close together at regular intervals, you are able to bend the wood and create a smooth curve.” I’m curios if anyone has tried this technique with Maslow. ---
**Author:** ![xrok1](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/xrok1/32/19640_2.png) [@xrok1](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/xrok1)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2018, 4:11am UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/kerf-bending-for-smooth-contours/4178/2 "2018-06-01T04:11:32Z")
I’ve done this with a skill saw and it works beautifully, should be the same with the maslow after all they’re just cuts. A couple tips; leave enough material so the remaining layer(s) don’t split when bending into final shape; you can also run masking tape on the back side while bending to avoid splitting. I too ordered a maslow for the june shipment and can’t wait to try kerf cuts among other things! PS handy link for kerf calculating: [https://www.blocklayer.com/kerf-spacingeng.aspx](https://www.blocklayer.com/kerf-spacingeng.aspx) ---
**Author:** ![Redwood](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f08c70/32.png) [@Redwood](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/Redwood)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2018, 10:36am UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/kerf-bending-for-smooth-contours/4178/3 "2018-06-01T10:36:57Z")
Great advice! thanks ---
**Author:** ![Dag83](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/dag83/32/2603_2.png) [@Dag83](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/Dag83)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2018, 10:43am UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/kerf-bending-for-smooth-contours/4178/4 "2018-06-01T10:43:54Z")
I haven’t seen anyone use a maslow for that. You might want to look into bendable plywood, that’s what i used for my meeple shaped board game cabinet. ![](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/2X/1/1ec03e1df0e7826c64f0547e7c5f69110f8a99f8.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![TheRiflesSpiral](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/theriflesspiral/32/20_2.png) [@TheRiflesSpiral](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/TheRiflesSpiral)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2018, 1:16pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/kerf-bending-for-smooth-contours/4178/5 "2018-06-01T13:16:30Z")
Awesome resource! Thanks, for that xrok1! ---
**Author:** ![aluminumwelder](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/aluminumwelder/32/9362_2.png) [@aluminumwelder](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/aluminumwelder)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2018, 11:20am UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/kerf-bending-for-smooth-contours/4178/6 "2018-06-02T11:20:31Z")
any cabinate supply store sells bendable plywood. Much easier and nicer looking then making a hundred kerfs too. ---
**Author:** ![Redwood](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f08c70/32.png) [@Redwood](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/Redwood)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2018, 2:16pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/kerf-bending-for-smooth-contours/4178/7 "2018-06-02T14:16:48Z")
Awesome advise guys. This community is fantastic!