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Old 04-29-2015, 06:32 PM   #1
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Struggle with the Curve

Does anyone know how to build to fit the curve of the roof for flush walls and cabibets

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Old 04-29-2015, 07:03 PM   #2
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Use CAD; Cardboard aided design.
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Old 04-29-2015, 09:22 PM   #3
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This has been discussed many times, many ways. It would benefit you to so a search on this (sorry, I'm not sure what criteria to use) and read up on what others have done. There are so many different ways to accommodate this.

Look around and take your pick of the ways that others have done this.
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Old 04-29-2015, 11:07 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by dond View Post
Use CAD; Cardboard aided design.
this is what i did
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Old 04-30-2015, 06:31 AM   #5
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I plan on using the front panel as a template. The curve is right there
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Old 04-30-2015, 09:54 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ZacWest View Post
Does anyone know how to build to fit the curve of the roof for flush walls and cabibets
I'm planning on using something similar to this:

http://www.amazon.com/MLCS-9327-Wood...30NMD8CY9HSZYF

J
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Old 04-30-2015, 10:06 AM   #7
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One thing that you will soon discover is that each one of the ribs has a curve of it's
own i.e. no two are alike you'll have to check your template with each wall or cabinet
you install at the curve.
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Old 04-30-2015, 02:27 PM   #8
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I use this technique: How to Scribe for a Perfect Fit | The Family Handyman

If I'm putting a piece of plywood perpendicular to the wall (for the side of a full height closet, for instance) I start with a piece of plywood the right height and a couple inches wider than it needs to be, but with a very roughly cut "curve" in it. Make those cuts with a circular saw.
Then move the plywood into the bus and position it as close to the wall as you can. The article I posted shows a pencil in a compass. I don't have one so I tape a pencil to a chunk of 1"x4" and use that.
Hold the tape+wood chunk against the wall - keeping it level - and draw the shape of the wall onto the plywood.
Notice how I mentioned to cut the piece several inches wider than it needs to be? When you cut along the curved line you just made the piece of plywood should be closer to the correct width. Trim the straight side to make it the perfect width.
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Old 04-30-2015, 02:37 PM   #9
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Originally Posted by juliol View Post
I just checked out the product. Reviews say it is handy for measuring in a curve (as in linear measurements), but it doesn't hold it's shape well enough to be useful in tracing.
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Old 04-30-2015, 10:34 PM   #10
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Flex curves are great for drafting but won't hold their shape if moved about.

Sounds a bit odd, but I am converting a VW Beetle into a BBQ Pit/cooker/smoker for some friends and have to fit some sheet metal to the roof line. I'm going with a technique I used years ago on another bus to resolve the curve issue.

Take a piece of 2 x 2 and trim to fit snugly, side to side across at common measured points from the floor. Then take a piece of flexible plastic lattice (any Home Depot will do) and arch it tightly along the roof. Glue & screw it to the 2 x 2 on each end with hot glue. Then add a couple of more vertical braces glued at about 3 or 4 points.

Walaa. Pull it all down and it will hold the roof curve so you can trace it onto whatever.

Been a while since I did it so I'll try to follow up with a couple of pix in a week or two.
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Old 05-01-2015, 10:36 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Scooternj View Post
I plan on using the front panel as a template. The curve is right there
This.

Every time I see the front and rear panels in my scrap pile, I think of the members struggling with this.

I don't know why no one has mentioned this sooner.

However, my favorite is to not use a curve at all. Raise the roof, vault the ceiling, and enjoy nice flat surfaces to work with.

I have seen some amazing builds here. It kills me to see the crappy low ceiling, counters above window height, fridges sticking way out in the walk way, ect, all due to that low, curved ceiling.

Nat
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Old 05-01-2015, 10:43 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nat_ster View Post
This.

Every time I see the front and rear panels in my scrap pile, I think of the members struggling with this.

I don't know why no one has mentioned this sooner.

(snip)

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