Probably worse. The thickness to radius ratio is even lower than 9mm to
8". Okoume is not the best steam bending wood in the world and 5 mm
BS1088 has 5 plys which makes it stiffer. 3mm is only 3 ply which makes
it a good bit more flexable but I am not even sure 3 mm will bend to 4".

When I need to bend under about a 4" radius for fiddle rails and cabinet
edges I steam up some 1/6" veneers and laminate them up from scratch.

When you are getting that tight it is also necessary to use steel
strapping or a well fit caul to keep the outer fibers from splitting.

Kevin wrote:
Ok next question...

how about steam bending 5 mm okoume to a 4 inch radius?

I am debating wether to purchase the 3 mm ply and do three layers as
mentioned in the previous post or to try to bend the 5mm and use two
laminations.

Or should I just look at using "wacky wood" or "flexy ply"?

How strong are the flexible plys if used in a stitch and glue
situation with the outside glassed and epoxied and the inside epoxied?


Thanks,
Kevin

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
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