I am trying to achieve this curved wood look as pictured below. I am interested in knowing what tools I need or if I need a particular kind of wood. (I am referring to the white curved section)
Wood – What tools and techniques are required to bend wood
woodwoodworking
Related Solutions
In my area, we have a place called Northern Hardwood Supply that stocks many types of woods used for furniture, custom trim, etc. I'm sure there are similar suppliers in your area. If your local lumber yard does not stock thicker woods, ask them if there is a specialty house in your area.
The second item worth mentioning, is that I recommend using a hardwood for you doors. A good choice would be poplar wood. It is the least expensive hardwood, easy to work with and finishes nicely, especially if you plan to prime and paint. Soft woods like pine tend to warp or wain and check easily and aren't the best for framing long narrow stiles etc.
As far as the tools and techniques for sizing custom stock, a table saw and planner are the best. The term "resawing" refers to cutting the thickness of narrower stock, say less than 4" with a table saw. One would set up using a feather board and a 80 tooth or hollow ground planner blade. This often gives a decent sandable cut, but not a real furniture grade finish. A planner is your best bet for a decent initial smooth finish that can be sanded to a good finish. The combination of using both is often required for custom sizing. Usually one side of your stock will have a good factory finish ready to sand, so do your DIY cutting all on one side of the stock that will not be as visible in the finished product.
Have you considered one of the portable workbenches such as the Workmate?
They fold to a pretty small package and come in a variety of sizes and prices.
Black and Decker used to make several Workmate vises in a benchtop and toolbox version such as these
They appear to be discontinued. I found mine at yard sales, but they show up online occasionally.
If one of these suits, you may be able to continue to use your preferred tools.
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Best Answer
That is a very expensive podium, probably has a cost in the 20K range. You can do laminated wood and then cut into the curve (very expensive as it takes a large amount of high quality wood) or you can try some cheaper options using plywood.
If you only need to do a slight curve, thin plywood has a lot of flex in it. Just nail/screw it onto a frame. If you need a tighter curve than what the plywood will allow there are a couple of options. If only one face will show, you can in essence thin the plywood further by using kerfs. Look up a guide on google and find one you are comfortable with. Another option is using steam to soften the glue in the plywood which then will allow a tighter bend.