side template vs rectangle

[Rick_A]

Hello all,

I notice that some people bend their sides as a rectangle and others cut the side as per a contour template prior to bending. It seems to me that once the side is cut into a profile, it might be difficult to keep it located precisely as you get the sandwich situated in the mold. Do we have strong opinions one way or another?

Many thanks!
-rick

[John Parchem]

I hate sanding in the profile so I cut using a side profile before I bend. I am really careful to note and mark the center of the waist and keep it in the center. Just an extra few minutes making sure that the profiled side is in the correct position to bend saves many minutes. The more I build the closer I am to the final dimension. I started giving my self a mm or 2 plus enough for the top profile. Now I cut right on a pencil line of the profile. So about .5 mm margin. I only profile the back.

[Rick_A]

Many thanks for the valuable info John.

[Herman]

Hi Rick,
FWIW: I do the same as John does. Sawing or planing the sides after bending is no fun, because they are so thin.
Herman

[Kevin in California]

I also pre profile before bending, then they are close and get done in the radius dish. I do this, then glue in kerfing, then back in the radius dish to bring down the kerfing flush with the sides.

[Rick_A]

Thanks Kevin and Herman - I will proceed with profiling the sides!

[peter havriluk]

+1 on Kevin's process. Life's tough enough!