Rounded architectural arches (poplar or other)

Ever heard of a wood called 'bendable poplar'. Looks like the hot choice for this type of work. I'm told it's commonly available in western United States and Canada. This poplar usually comes in 4' X 8' sheets (grain parallel to the 8' side) or 8' X 4' (grain parallel to the 4' side). It is usually 1/8" thick and the surface looks like the veneer face of a piece of plywood. I want to use this (if I can get my hands on it) to create some PERFECTLY ROUNDED architectural arches, half circles about 5 feet in diameter with the grain running perpendicular to the edge. The arches will be made up of roughly six pieces laminated together using yellow glue on a particle board or plywood form.

Would this be my best option (I've seen the amazing results) or can I achieve this with traditional steam-bending various other types of wood?

Bill For that large of radius you do not need the 1/8" what you should use is 3/8 bending play, nickname wiggle wood it is available in4x8 and 8x4 also Generally carried by industrial suppliers, @ layers glued together on a form will get you 3/4" light

3 layers pretty close to 1-1/8. It is generally made from luan or meranti. neither is a good wood other than for its purpose you can then apply a veneer Two layers glued together will have some spring back 3 layers will hold whatever the form is You can use two layers of this and a layer of the poplar 1/8" The poplar used in this ply is not a good grade also and is a little rough for painting you might get away with it. If you can't use veneer then you can glue a piece of 1/4" any kind of ply for the finish surface. the trick to this is easy. Run the 1/4" through your planer and take the back veneer off you will end up with 3/16" or a little smaller this will now bend around your finger real easy. You have to do this in one pass make sure the piece in long you may loose the first couple of inches DO NOT try to run a second past your planer will literally eat it all up.

These Bending plys are generally only available at industrial suppliers, If anybody want to learn how to buy from them send me a e-mail and I'll give you some info, It is rather easy.

Good Luck, George