Flexible material

[Marion]

I was wondering if anyone could think of a durable material that could be used for an outdoor application that can be machined flat and then wrapped around a curve of about a 2' radius. The material would need to be 36" tall and 1/2" in thickness, durable and paintable. I have done similar projects with blue foam but it damages too easily. Any thoughts?

[gc3]

maybe this ?

http://www.newwood.com/

[garyb]

"Bending ply" available at most major timber wholesale suppliers.
plywood with the lamination's layed up in on direction especially for radius work
Gary

[myxpykalix]

Gary,
I was going to mention that he could make his own bendable plywood by kerfing it himself but since he said it was for an outdoor application I didn't think it would work.
(edit) I think you are talking about something different...

[knight_toolworks]

sintra may work. dibond would be a choice if it was not so thin Most plastic would work too. wrap them and use a heat gun and they would stay bent.

[steve_g]

Possibly a higher density sign foam, machined, kerfed on backside, kerfs filled with gorilla glue, bent to shape?

Steve

[CNYDWW]

Been looking into playing with this. Heat forming PVC trim.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZ753N-OOe8

This vid shows Kleer brand that i like the best for quality but most of the exterior PVC trim boards can be heated and formed like this.

Regards
Randy

[Marion]

Thanks everyone for the ideas and input. Depending on the flexibility and machineablity the Newwood looks to be about the best idea. I may give the folks a call and check on the flexibility factor. Also if it is available in my neck of the woods.
I do not believe ply would hold up in an outdoor application. And the size I wish to work in is 36" tall, and a 24" width wrapped on a 2' radius. I have never worked with PVC sheet goods. I have read about some folks using them for vac and spoilboard applications. Any idea how well they machine, how about flexibility. It would take quite a set up to be able to heat a piece that large if heat was needed to bend it.
Always enjoy hearing ideas and suggestions.

[woodworx]

I can ship you NewWood. I have a truckload in-stock. You can kerf the back, or if you heat it to 220" it will give you all the flexibility you need. Email me: jrank at hardwoodind dot com

[CNYDWW]

Thanks everyone for the ideas and input. Depending on the flexibility and machineablity the Newwood looks to be about the best idea. I may give the folks a call and check on the flexibility factor. Also if it is available in my neck of the woods.
I do not believe ply would hold up in an outdoor application. And the size I wish to work in is 36" tall, and a 24" width wrapped on a 2' radius. I have never worked with PVC sheet goods. I have read about some folks using them for vac and spoilboard applications. Any idea how well they machine, how about flexibility. It would take quite a set up to be able to heat a piece that large if heat was needed to bend it.
Always enjoy hearing ideas and suggestions.

I miss read your original statement. 2 Feet not 2". Heating something that size and getting it on to a form? Big big job. It mills great in my experience accept for a slight grainy texture left due to the expanded cells. There would be the possibility of applying a relief cuts then using a heat gun to aid in the bending.