Bent Plywood for old theater seats

[spark]

I have 3 theater seats that the plywood has delaminated and rotted. Does anybody know how to make replacements, or who will make them. I can send a sample of the back and seat. I don’t have a bandsaw to cut the mold, which I know makes it fairly difficult to make.

Thanks
Neil

 

[Tarhead]

Hard to tell without seeing them but I imagine those are formed in a mold in a big vacumn press. Not something common here. I've got some pieces of 3/32" bending Poplar I'll sell you cheap if someone has a way to create a form. Failing that, best advice is to shop the surplus equipment dealers (NC Goverment Surplus place near the State Fairgrounds?), flea markets and antique/junk shops.

 

[fergy]

Those are usually made in a big press...the plywood is manufactured in that shape.

There are several companies across the country that deal in selling parts to repair theater seats. It's not uncommon on a theater rennovation to refinish and repair all of the seats in the theater rather than purchasing new. A google search should help you track them down, because for the life of me I can't remember the name of the company we used when I managed venues in Indiana and Kentucky.

 

[FredP]

If you want to bring one out here next week some time we could take a shot at it. with bending ply and an easy to make mold I think it can be done. need pics!

 

[NCPete]

There's an outfit here in Fayetteville that does that for school chairs. pretty specific presses, tho', but I'll bet Fred can do it!

 

[nelsone]

Bending ply and a form should get you squared away. A vacuum bag would be nice, but not necessary. Contact Fred. Sounds like he has the right idea!