fixing the franklin still

[rebuilder]

tried to put the new roof trusses and ceiling in the franklin today the luan didn't work to stiff as it has the curve any ideas

[RedneckExpress]

Steam it first before attempting to bend after setting a very very shallow depth on yer table saw and cutting notches across the area that needs to curve in 1" spacing (might need to be closer together than that, depending on the sharpness of the curve) to allow the luwann to curve, these would be horizontal grooves cut in the back of it, not vertical, and horizontal as in reference to positioning of the board in the rig, (i.e, if you're using it length-wise from driver's side to passenger side, you'd cut your bending grooves going along the length of the sheet).

[tylerdmoore]

Yep, I was going to post the same thing. Be careful when you start to mount the board, even after steaming if you try to force the curve too quickly the board will snap at one of you relief cuts. I have had success doing this by soaking the board in very hot water for about 30 minutes prior to installing it. It's tough to get a good steam on a large board without a professional enclosed steamer. Don't worry about the board being wet, just know that you have excess moisture in the rig and keep the heat up and run a dehumidifier for a couple weeks.

[rebuilder]

thanks for the tips how would i go about steaming a panel that big... i'm using 4'x7'6" sheets

[RedneckExpress]

Build yourself a steam box using 1xs and heavy clear plastic and some methodology for producing steam that is funneled inside.

[rebuilder]

sounds good thanks again