plywood quality

[ClanB]

Ok Im on my second board made from Lowes 1/2" birtch ply. The 1st one delaminated on the second session. This one I added more coats of sealant and made sure to realy get the edges well. On my second day using it I can see visable rippling on the bottom and discoloration from absorbing water on the bottom plys. It even feel heavier. The 1st 3 boards I made did not do this in fact one I didnt even seal I just painted it. I cant remember the place but it was a lumber yard where I got the 1st sheet for the 1st 3 boards. Do I just need to never use Lowes wood?

[bgreen]

Doesn't sound like it. I recall making enquiries about marine ply a while ago. I rang a few comanies and there is considerable variation in quality in rleation to woods used and glue quality from what I gathered. Someone for the US should be able to give you a good supplier of marine ply, though you may get views on chea wood but good sealant.

Bob

[Uncle Grumpy]

Big Box Birch is not for use outdoors, especially not in water..
We've been over this all before.
http://mypaipoboards.org/forum3/viewtop ... irch#p1102

[ClanB]

Forgot about that old thread. However..The 1st 3 boards were birtch and one only had paint as a seal. None have failed. What I would like to do is find some 1/8" ply that I could stack to 1/2" and glue some kick into the nose but aI can live with good quality 1/2".

[bgreen]

ClanB. I knew there was a thread on this somewhere but didn't have time to look. Uncle G seems to know his wood.

Bob

[ClanB]

I talked with Jon Wegener about getting some paulownia for a board. I may even have him shape one for me.

[Uncle Grumpy]

One thing I know is WOOD and sheet goods. I've made my living working with them in one way or another for over thirty years.
If you are gonna use plywood, buy EXTERIOR grade. Avoid birch and poplar altogether. Unless you are building drawers or cabinets.
I bought some Paulownia from Jon a couple years back.
It's great stuff and very easy to work with but it's gotten much more expensive since Tom lit the alaia fire...
You might also check the local lumber yard (hopefully not Blowe's or HD) for red cedar, redwood, or the so called Phillipine Mahagony (typically Shorea)
There's other woods that will work but those three are pretty easy to find in so cal.