Thread: Plywood Issue

If you can use MDF instead of plywood, you could buy a sheet of 12mm MDF and laminate 2 halves together, before cutting out your pattern. this would have to be less than $50 wouldnt it?

You could glue 4 layers of construction ply together, and still not need a full sheet. And finish it off with a nice veneer

Whats a "Ms Pacman Cocktail Table " :confused: :confused: :confused:

Thanks for the replies.

The table top will have to support a computer monitor hanging from the underside of it so strength is the key element here. Would MDF be able to support this?

I have attached a photo to try and show what it is I am trying to achieve and to also clarify what a Ms Pacman Cocktail machine is to Lignum

The plywood (or alternative) will be painted black and will have graphics (an 'underlay') layed on top of it. On top of this it will be covered with glass. It will also have t-moulding around the edges.

If plywood would be the best option because of strength then I'll pay the price. The last thing I would want is the monitor falling on the pc components inside the table but if there's an alternative then I would love to explore it.

Thanks again all and I hope the pics aren't too big.

You may be better off asking who would like to share the cost of a sheet of 25mm ply.

I suggest the deal might be: someone who uses 25mm ply on a regular basis buys a full sheet and then onsells to you a piece 1200 x 600

BTW if the store is quoting you $115 a sheet for 25mm thick ply, it's almost certainly either CD or DD structural grade ply
from the spec:
CD GRADE STRUCTURAL PLYWOOD has one side sanded (the C side) which can include minor defects, filled or patched to provide a solid surface for applications such as under decorative flooring or as a paint grade surface, the other surface is the D side
DD GRADE STRUCTURAL PLYWOOD can contain open defects such as knot holes or splits in the face veneers. It is suitable for structural applications, such as bracing and other applications where appearance is not important

Apearance grade 25mm ply is more like $220 to $250 a sheet

Furniture grade ply is (I think) a max of 17mm thick which costs about $150 per sheet

You may be better off finding a boat builder and buying from him a piece of 25mm marine ply. But even this costs between $200 and $400 a sheet depending upon the species.


ian

Thanks for the info Ian.

It gives me a good indication as to what plywood typically costs. I didn't think to ask the store as to what grade the plywood was. This is my first woodworking project since I made a wooden pencil case at school all those years ago

I may know someone that could possibly use the left over so it's something worth considering.

Q: Do the plans suggest using plywood based on the stregth properties alone would you think? Is there a cheaper wood with the same strength qualities?

I don't want to appear to be a tight ass at all , I'll definately buy the plywood if it's the best option, but if I can learn something in the process of building this table then that would be a bonus.

Just a thought

If you went with a LCD monitor, you wouldn't have anywhere near the weight of a CRT so you should be able to get by with a thinner less expensive material
Looking at the photos you posted it might be that the monitor would/could be attached to the metal frame rather than the table top. Again this would lessen the weight to be supported.

I'm guessing the plans spec ply so that there is real wood for screws to bite into. Hopefully someone else will chip in, but I'd be weary of asking screws driven into venerred particle board or MDf to support any significant weight.


ian

Ian,

Using a LCD monitor would definately eliminate the issues with weight and would also give me more space in the cabinet to house all the other components but the problem is with the veiwing angles. For best veiwing results it is best to view an LCD as straight on as possible. With these types of arcade tables you are typically looking from the side of the monitor. Good suggestion though and thanks.

I do feel apprehensive about using MDF or particle board for this use. I don't think I'd be able to sleep at night thinking the monitor might drop and explode at any point

Thanks for taking the time to consider my options Ian

Cheers.

I was wondering if you laminated some 19mm pine boards together and then covered the top with a 6mm ply for the look, should be plenty strong enough and a whole heap cheaper.

Cheers Ian

hi alan

i would buy 2 full sheets of 3.7 cut it down glue the 7 pces together,it will be excellent and only cost about 16 dollars a sheet,(based on plymart in brisbane that sell it for 15.70)
im sure this would meet your expectations

cheers

I'm appreciating the replies everyone. I've been surpised with the quick and informative replies

Ian007, good suggestion. I'm not concerned though about getting a 'ply look' as it will just be painted black and have a graphic underlay put over it. Is pine a cheaper option and as strong as ply?

A192K, your suggestion is also a good one. I'd be more than willing to do as you suggested. Should I be looking at a particular type of glue to do this job?


Thanks all. It looks like I've got a bit to think about.

Im sure Selleys Aquadhere will do the job.but any PVA glue will do it
cheers

Originally Posted by Alan01

Q: Do the plans suggest using plywood based on the strength properties alone would you think? Is there a cheaper wood with the same strength qualities?

I presume that the plans come from the USA where ply is cheap and plentiful. That is why they specify ply not because of the strenght properties.

Last year my daughter looked at making something like that and after checking the plans I calculated that 2 sheets of 18mm chipboard laminated together was more than adequate for the table top.

Peter.

Originally Posted by Alan01

Ian,

Using a LCD monitor would definately eliminate the issues with weight and would also give me more space in the cabinet to house all the other components but the problem is with the veiwing angles. For best veiwing results it is best to view an LCD as straight on as possible. With these types of arcade tables you are typically looking from the side of the monitor. Good suggestion though and thanks.

I do feel apprehensive about using MDF or particle board for this use. I don't think I'd be able to sleep at night thinking the monitor might drop and explode at any point

Thanks for taking the time to consider my options Ian

Cheers.

Monitor won't "drop and explode", but the top might warp with the weight. Can you support the weight from below, rather than suspending the monitor off the top? Wouldn't have to be any more than a basic shelf to take the load.

You can't use LCD other than the reasons given, it just wouldn't look authentic.

What about gluing together a matrix of masonite & mdf (both around 3-5mm thick), keep layering it to the desired thickness, and strength. Glue together with PVA glue and press together!

Professional Woodworker Supplies http://www.woodworksupplies.com.au/index.htm
Sell these for router tabletops. They get them machined to specific dimensions (including openings). You could always ask them how much for a 1 off to the dimensions you require for the cabinet with an opening for the monitor.