Mike Poorman
This video was made in partnership with BESSEY
Bending wood?! Not exactly… but kind of! In the final part of this video series from Mike Poorman of Woodshop Mike, we get to see how he uses bent lamination to create the apron for the table.
There’s almost always a trick to make woodworking a little simpler. In this scenario of trying to make a curved apron on a table, a template and a flush trim bit is going to be your best friend. Mike jumps into this right away and lends insight on how to speed up the process of making the template and how to save on materials too. Be sure to keep reading to see what you’ll learn in the video and feel free to check out the links below if you need guidance on some of the tools or products you see in the video.
When it comes time to prep the thin material for the bent lamination, Mike gives advice on resawing using the bandsaw. Just like any tool, it’s important to be familiar with its operation before you start so that way you can be relying on your senses to help guide you as you work. For example, if it sounds like it’s under stress, it probably is! Ease into your cuts and take your time. If you don’t have the tools you need for a particular job, lean into this as an opportunity to network with others in your local community. You may be able to buy time using their tools and gain a new friend at the same time.
When it comes time for Mike to glue up his bent lamination, he uses just about every single BESSEY clamp in his shop! Although this is how he chose to do it this time around, he encourages you to explore other methods for achieving the same result, such as vacuum bag lamination or steam box lamination. Consider enrolling in TMCU for full access to all of the educational content shared here and follow along with Mike for more tips and tricks on how to:
Select an appropriate bonding agent for bent lamination
Use painter’s tape as an extra set of hands while you get your clamps on
Safely clean up the edges of your curved apron on the table saw
Use a smaller BESSEY clamp for apron/spacing alignment
Comment below if you want to learn more and let us know what to share next!
I had no idea what bent lamination or steam box lamination was a couple years ago. Always wondered how curved table aprons were made! Cool to see it!