I see many references to "marine grade" plywood. Since it turns out I need some plywood for a project, I am wondering where such stuff is for sale? I don't remember seeing a lumber section at West Marine, and I don't remember seeing a marine section at Lowe's. Anybody know? Paul sv Escape Artist h336
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Sign Board is great too.
Paul: I do not know what you project is, but "sign board" is the stuff that they make real estate signs with if basically the same stuff but has a very smooth surface (made to paint). It would also make a good surface to formica too. You should be able to get it at any sign shop.
Paul: I do not know what you project is, but "sign board" is the stuff that they make real estate signs with if basically the same stuff but has a very smooth surface (made to paint). It would also make a good surface to formica too. You should be able to get it at any sign shop.
Source for plywood
Paul, Any good "full service" lumber yard -- not one of the Big Boxes should be able to order it for you. If there are any boat builders in your area, they should be able to give you a source. It isn't cheap, but it's the only way to go if you are going to have plywood in a wet environment.
Paul, Any good "full service" lumber yard -- not one of the Big Boxes should be able to order it for you. If there are any boat builders in your area, they should be able to give you a source. It isn't cheap, but it's the only way to go if you are going to have plywood in a wet environment.
Also
As a second choice you can use AC plywood which is much cheaper. If you are doing something that will be painted or especially if it will be epoxyed don't waste your money on marine grade. Epoxy will completely cover the wood so the grade is not important. No, I didn't make this up. It came from West Systems.. Ron/KA5HZV
As a second choice you can use AC plywood which is much cheaper. If you are doing something that will be painted or especially if it will be epoxyed don't waste your money on marine grade. Epoxy will completely cover the wood so the grade is not important. No, I didn't make this up. It came from West Systems.. Ron/KA5HZV
bad advice
The problem with non-marine-grade ply is that it's not made with waterproof glue. (Not to mention the voids in the internal ply) Give it a decade and it will surely delaminate regardless of how much epoxy you cover it with. In the early 80s a whole slew of Hong Kong Trawlers were built with non-marine-grade ply, slathered with epoxy, and the decks of these boats today have the strength of a kitchen sponge.
The problem with non-marine-grade ply is that it's not made with waterproof glue. (Not to mention the voids in the internal ply) Give it a decade and it will surely delaminate regardless of how much epoxy you cover it with. In the early 80s a whole slew of Hong Kong Trawlers were built with non-marine-grade ply, slathered with epoxy, and the decks of these boats today have the strength of a kitchen sponge.
Wrong John Wrong...
It can't possibily delaminate if covered in epoxy. Nothing get in or out. That's the beauty of epoxy. I'm not talking about plain old polyester resin fiberglass. Epoxy is more expensive, but it will last for ever. If you need the facts, I will email you the website... Ron
It can't possibily delaminate if covered in epoxy. Nothing get in or out. That's the beauty of epoxy. I'm not talking about plain old polyester resin fiberglass. Epoxy is more expensive, but it will last for ever. If you need the facts, I will email you the website... Ron
Do a google search
I would suggest a google search of "Teak Plywood". I recently found a large distributor in Mich.
I would suggest a google search of "Teak Plywood". I recently found a large distributor in Mich.
The Facts...
This is just one of the many sites that list the materials for building a boat using epoxy. Check out what they say about using standard grade plywood when covering with epoxy... And have a great day, all... Ron/KA5HZV
This is just one of the many sites that list the materials for building a boat using epoxy. Check out what they say about using standard grade plywood when covering with epoxy... And have a great day, all... Ron/KA5HZV
I built a boat ... My experience...
I built the D4 that is refered to in the previous link. You do not need to use marine plywood. However, I do have the following comments. 1 - When you select your plywood, BE VERY CAREFUL OF VOIDS - these are the spaces between the layers and when you bend the plywood even a small amount it can crack at these places. I know from experience! Yo may have to dig through the pile, but it's worth it. 2 - If you decide to epoxy the thing (whatever it is) make sure you do a little bit of "learning" before you start. Take the time to learn how to mix, create a test project and learn how the resin sets up etc. If you mix it wrong, it's a pain to scrape off (again experience talking) and have to do it again. Otherwise, it's a very fullfilling experience to build a small boat. Geof
I built the D4 that is refered to in the previous link. You do not need to use marine plywood. However, I do have the following comments. 1 - When you select your plywood, BE VERY CAREFUL OF VOIDS - these are the spaces between the layers and when you bend the plywood even a small amount it can crack at these places. I know from experience! Yo may have to dig through the pile, but it's worth it. 2 - If you decide to epoxy the thing (whatever it is) make sure you do a little bit of "learning" before you start. Take the time to learn how to mix, create a test project and learn how the resin sets up etc. If you mix it wrong, it's a pain to scrape off (again experience talking) and have to do it again. Otherwise, it's a very fullfilling experience to build a small boat. Geof
Marine Grade Education
This company (located in Florida) sells Okoume marine grade plywood and has information on the specifications. Apparently, besides using waterproof glue (like the exterior plywood used for roofs) marine grade also has a lower moisture content and no voids (each layer is atleast "B" grade). http://www.buckwoodcraft.com/marine_plywood.htm
This company (located in Florida) sells Okoume marine grade plywood and has information on the specifications. Apparently, besides using waterproof glue (like the exterior plywood used for roofs) marine grade also has a lower moisture content and no voids (each layer is atleast "B" grade). http://www.buckwoodcraft.com/marine_plywood.htm
American Plywood Association
Has a FAQ on "What is Marine-grade plywood?" Naturally, being American they only address the Douglas-fir and Western Larch varieties. These are cheaper than Okoume and stronger too. Only problem is they check (split) so don't use them for finished surfaces. Marine Douglas-fir is fine when buried under fiberglass cloth and resin. http://www.apawood.org/level_b.cfm?content=prd_faq_main
Has a FAQ on "What is Marine-grade plywood?" Naturally, being American they only address the Douglas-fir and Western Larch varieties. These are cheaper than Okoume and stronger too. Only problem is they check (split) so don't use them for finished surfaces. Marine Douglas-fir is fine when buried under fiberglass cloth and resin. http://www.apawood.org/level_b.cfm?content=prd_faq_main
Place outside of Boston
Boulter Plywood. Somerville MA Specialty wood lumber store. See link below.
Boulter Plywood. Somerville MA Specialty wood lumber store. See link below.
MDO and HDO Marine Plywood
The Medium Density and High Density marine plywood mentioned in Mark's link refer mostly to marine quality plywood used in concrete forms. It is the highest quality plywood made. They come in 5/8 and 3/4 inch thickness. Very expensive...up to $90 for one 4' X 8' sheet. The overlay mentioned is brown finish for the MDO, and the smoothest white overlay HDO. Concrete won't stick to the overlay. You can also get the regular marine quality plywood without the overlay for around $70 per 4' X 8' sheet. If it's quality you want, you have to pay for it. If you only need a small section for a repair, many concrete construction companies use such materials. The company I occasionally work for tosses many dumpster fulls of scrap away each week! Some of the new but unusable pieces (for concrete work) are 4/ X 6'! I made my new outboard motor mount using three layers of MDO. Better than the rotted teak that it replaced.
The Medium Density and High Density marine plywood mentioned in Mark's link refer mostly to marine quality plywood used in concrete forms. It is the highest quality plywood made. They come in 5/8 and 3/4 inch thickness. Very expensive...up to $90 for one 4' X 8' sheet. The overlay mentioned is brown finish for the MDO, and the smoothest white overlay HDO. Concrete won't stick to the overlay. You can also get the regular marine quality plywood without the overlay for around $70 per 4' X 8' sheet. If it's quality you want, you have to pay for it. If you only need a small section for a repair, many concrete construction companies use such materials. The company I occasionally work for tosses many dumpster fulls of scrap away each week! Some of the new but unusable pieces (for concrete work) are 4/ X 6'! I made my new outboard motor mount using three layers of MDO. Better than the rotted teak that it replaced.
Geof Tillotson
Hey Geof... I need to talk to you?? Can you send me your e-mail address?? Captronbob@yahoo.com Thanks... Ron
Hey Geof... I need to talk to you?? Can you send me your e-mail address?? Captronbob@yahoo.com Thanks... Ron
plywood, you say?
Paul, The best in the NE area is boulter plywood in Somerville, MA (a short ride north for you) I have done business with them many times, great prices & honest no BSing around. As a matter of fact, a few custom builders use them for a source (like a well known Maine builder.....the H folks) I included a link. good luck
Paul, The best in the NE area is boulter plywood in Somerville, MA (a short ride north for you) I have done business with them many times, great prices & honest no BSing around. As a matter of fact, a few custom builders use them for a source (like a well known Maine builder.....the H folks) I included a link. good luck
Would a woodchuck
care. Maybe not; but considering the work involved, I think its better to start with the best quality materials. Epoxy is expensive anyway so I can't see how using it is going to save anything, even if it does work. Recently I bought a 4x8 sheet of 1/2" marine fir plywood for some work I'm doing on a Cat 22. It cost $65.00 after tax and is worth it. But next time I see a used piece of plywood with cement on it I'll grab it!
care. Maybe not; but considering the work involved, I think its better to start with the best quality materials. Epoxy is expensive anyway so I can't see how using it is going to save anything, even if it does work. Recently I bought a 4x8 sheet of 1/2" marine fir plywood for some work I'm doing on a Cat 22. It cost $65.00 after tax and is worth it. But next time I see a used piece of plywood with cement on it I'll grab it!
Cost
Bill.. Your cost factor idea is something to consider. I think if you want a beautiful piece of finished wood the best you can buy is what you would want. The point of using something of a lesser grade is if it will be used in a structural application and hidden away. Most lumber yards carry BC as their top grade, but if you can find (or order) AC you are close to the best. Two of the plys in AC are knot free leaving one side with knots. You can pick through to find the best of the lot. It's along the same principle as building a house. You could frame with Douglas Fir, but good old #2 pine will do the job. Would you build furniture out of it? No way, but who's going to see the frame of a house?? Once you seal the wood in epoxy you are way ahead of unprotected marine grade or any other wood for that matter. The cost may be the same, but the finished product is superior.... Take Care and happy weekend... Ron/KA5HZV
Bill.. Your cost factor idea is something to consider. I think if you want a beautiful piece of finished wood the best you can buy is what you would want. The point of using something of a lesser grade is if it will be used in a structural application and hidden away. Most lumber yards carry BC as their top grade, but if you can find (or order) AC you are close to the best. Two of the plys in AC are knot free leaving one side with knots. You can pick through to find the best of the lot. It's along the same principle as building a house. You could frame with Douglas Fir, but good old #2 pine will do the job. Would you build furniture out of it? No way, but who's going to see the frame of a house?? Once you seal the wood in epoxy you are way ahead of unprotected marine grade or any other wood for that matter. The cost may be the same, but the finished product is superior.... Take Care and happy weekend... Ron/KA5HZV
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