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Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: fablog on October 30, 2015, 09:36:00 pm

Title: Bend MDF
Post by: fablog on October 30, 2015, 09:36:00 pm
Is it possible to bend very slightly MDF? I made a mistake in the assembly of the sides and to correct that I need to put pressure to move them 1/8" max. The Top will keep the sides at the right distance when I will glue it to them. I can't use a Top with a higher width because the front of this part is wider than the back. Let me know if it's not clear. I'll take a picture tomorrow.

Thanks
Title: Re: Bend MDF
Post by: EvilNuff on October 30, 2015, 09:50:14 pm
I think that depends over what distance and thickness of MDF you are talking.  In general I would say that's pretty risky.  If you are talking 1/8" over the entire height of a full size cab well probably.

It sounds like your front is wider than the rear somehow?  I'm not really sure where the bend comes in?
Title: Re: Bend MDF
Post by: fablog on October 30, 2015, 10:24:08 pm
Yes, the front is wider than the rear but only at the upper edge of the sides. I need to put pressure only at the top. I've tried it with my hands without any problem with the cab . but, I'm wondering if it's future proof.
Title: Re: Bend MDF
Post by: EvilNuff on October 31, 2015, 10:27:43 am
I would guess that it would probably be ok...but I wouldn't do it.  I would figure out another solution or re-cut.  I'd have to see pics to have any ideas.
Title: Re: Bend MDF
Post by: fablog on October 31, 2015, 01:17:48 pm
Pictures as requested
Title: Re: Bend MDF
Post by: Kier on November 01, 2015, 07:58:47 am
Not sure why couldnt just clamp it and pull it in. That gap doesnt look like much at all, unless I am misunderstanding.
Title: Re: Bend MDF
Post by: EvilNuff on November 01, 2015, 10:24:14 am
That should work, my only concern would be with the mdf separating over time.
Title: Re: Bend MDF
Post by: JDFan on November 01, 2015, 10:36:40 am
Could also just fill the gap with Bondo or cut a few spare pieces of MDF to make some sawdust - mix with some wood glue to make a paste and fill the gap with it. let dry and sand.
Title: Re: Bend MDF
Post by: Kier on November 01, 2015, 02:02:23 pm
That should work, my only concern would be with the mdf separating over time.

I dont think it would, unless moisture worked into the mdf. But you can always do as JDFan said, fill it with Bondo or similar and you would never know, at least on the bottom around the kickplate.
Title: Re: Bend MDF
Post by: n3wt0n on November 03, 2015, 07:25:04 am
Getting that 1/8 back is not likely a problem with MDF. Just make sure you screw and glue it well in a number of places.
Also, I came back to add in to make sure you clamp it until the glue dries completely so the screws are not the only thing pulling the two pieces together. Screws tend to rip out of MDF when under pressure so rely on the glue to do the majority of the work.
Title: Re: Bend MDF
Post by: Niels Arcade on November 03, 2015, 02:34:50 pm
Getting that 1/8 back is not likely a problem with MDF. Just make sure you screw and glue it well in a number of places.
Also, I came back to add in to make sure you clamp it until the glue dries completely so the screws are not the only thing pulling the two pieces together. Screws tend to rip out of MDF when under pressure so rely on the glue to do the majority of the work.

This would be the solution I would use as well. However before you permanently glue it, clamp it together tight and take a look if the side bending doesn't give it a unwanted bended look. If so, you could go for the other solution I have seen mentioned which would be filling it with bondo.
Title: Re: Bend MDF
Post by: fablog on November 04, 2015, 09:49:11 pm
Thanks all for the advices. I decided to clamp and glue it.
Title: Re: Bend MDF
Post by: n3wt0n on November 06, 2015, 07:06:44 am
Nice! Do you have any after pictures to show how it all turned out?
Title: Re: Bend MDF
Post by: fablog on November 06, 2015, 08:14:47 am
It's not done yet. I need to cut a T-slot in the Top before. I'll post pics when it's done  ;)
Title: Re: Bend MDF
Post by: aldub516 on November 08, 2015, 11:53:17 am
Looks like you can just use an L or corner bracket... That doesn't seem like a problem at all.. It's a tiny gap