Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Wood Care: => Topic started by: tigertiger on November 30, 2006, 01:41:31 pm

Title: Alternative ply
Post by: tigertiger on November 30, 2006, 01:41:31 pm
I cannot source 3mm ply here in China.

However I can get a thin ply with a hardwood or decorative wood laminate top surface.
This is used to make the skin for doors or to put on table tops, and cabinet sides.

It seems to be stable. It is also very flat and does not appear to distort near the edges.

Has anyone used this for model construction? Or does anyone know if it is of a suitable construction?

Advice from any chippy, shipright, retired taxman, chef, or merchant seaman appreciated.
Title: Re: Alternative ply
Post by: malcolmfrary on December 02, 2006, 08:48:42 pm
My first few model boats were made from the ply skin off a discarded kitchen door. Lots of sanding, then plenty of protection by using tissue and cellulose dope on the outside and a good layer of paint on the inside made for tough, long lasting boats.  Dont forget that in the 1930's it was fairly normal to make yacht hulls out of paper machee - obviously well waterproofed..