Hi:
I am planning to make some large arches of varying sizes (The biggest
one is about 14 feet wide and 2 feet deep).
I am looking at the following options:
1) Make a template using 3/4" plywood (One sheets ripped and then
joined together along the long sided for the desired 14' length). Use
the convex template to cut other arches using similar sized plywood
sheets and using a saber saw and a router.
I think that this is the approach most of the builders seem to take
when I looked at the houses under construction in our neighborhood (not
sure if they use router). I think that it will work fine except I
think that this approach is extremely wasteful of plywood. Once I cut
an arch, the convex leftover is simply waste since I cannot think of
using it anywhere else. Is there any way to reuse the convex part for
another arch?
2) Make a template as described in 1 above but then use the template to
shape a curf-cut 14' long 2/4 into the arch in place supported by
another 2X4s nailed in the ceiling at appropriate locations? Has
anyone tried to make an arch out of curf-bent 2X4 or 2X6 that are
supported by other structural members>
3) Any other thoughts?
Thanks
Shailesh