DennisS wrote:
At what appears to be a pretty large radius, I don't think it would be necessary to kerf the inside of the radius. I should have mentioned either steaming or soaking as Gene did, at which point I think you should be able to bend 1-1/2" or perhaps even 2" thick rips over a form. I'd build the form with a bit smaller radius than the final result, steam and bend the members leaving them to dry in the mold, then when dry glue and laminate them to a form of the proper radius. There is usually some bit of springback when steam bending, at least that's been my experience.
I suspect if you didn't steam bend them you could laminate them as well but depending on the glue you use, the tension in the wood might cause some creep in the joints which wouldn't be desirable ... (grin)
Steam bending is somewhat of an art. For thick wood I'd leave it in the form for several days to cool and
dry completely. Check it with a meter until it's stable. I'd also suggest a 2 man team to get it clamped down on the form as fast as possible.