When building one yourself, there are a few things to keep in mind. A flexible metal track speeds and simplifies the construction of the wall whether you utilize metal or wood studs. The track shown is also available in a model that accommodates 2x6 studs. Making your own curved track from standard channel is a bit tedious but not especially difficult. Making plates from solid wood or laminated plywood is another option, but it can consume significant amounts of both materials and time. One other key design consideration is the radius of the curve. The radius you choose determines the spacing of the studs. Spacing the studs closely can give a smoother look to your finished wall. Before you begin framing, make sure you know how to measure, use a plumb bob, and drive fasteners. Expect to spend about 20 minutes per linear foot of wall on this project. Run masking tape along the outside (convex) edge of the track to hold the curve while you drive screws into the inside (concave) edge. When you’re ready to drive screws into the outside edge, you can pull the tape off or leave it in place and drill through it. To make your own flexible track, start with a length of steel runner. Cut through one flange and the web at 2-inch intervals along the portion that will be curved. Inside the runner, lay a steel strap that’s at least 1 inch wide and with a thickness of at least 18 mils (25 gauge). Screw the flanges to the strip to set the curve. To make an S-shape curve, switch the cuts to the other flange of the runner.
