Hi All , I have a pergola project that involves a curved beam that looks to be 12″ x 12″ with a 8′ radius total length would be about 20′. It would set on 4 6×6 posts. My question is what would be best way to build up this beam. I was thinking of stacking 2×12 cedar boards and laminating them together. Thanks Mike
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Greetings MJR,
This post, in response to your question, will bump the thread through the 'recent discussion' listing again.
Perhaps it will catch someone's attention that can help you with advice.
Cheers
half of good living is staying out of bad situations
I've made up several curved laminations like this. I anticipate that you would most likely need to have the plies a little less than 1/2" thick in cedar, thinner for some other woods. It would also take a form and a massive number of clamps. But since this is a pergola, It will not be holding much of a load, right? I would probably build it as a box beam, hollow pocketed, segment the top and bottom and use fibreglass, epoxy, or lead to waterstop the top..
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Not sure I understand. Is this a 12"x12"x20' cedar beam curved on an 8' radius? If so, I think you'll need a lot thinner plies to bend evenly - maybe plane to 3/8-1/2"? Also, for a smooth bend you'll need a buck or form made heavily enough that the building up of plies won't straighten it.
Also use the right glue, etc.
This will involve a lot of detail chasing to get right, but should be dramatic!
Forrest
What about using 1/2" PT plywood for the inside, and rip cedar to 1/2" thick for the outsides. I'm not sure how you'll face the bottom, I guess you would have to use several pieces of wood cut to overhang, and then routered flush.
Gorilla glue or epoxy would be good glues to use, depending on your needs (open time, working temperature.)
zak
"so it goes"