Recommendations for Alternative Shooting Board/Jig Material

[thumbsucker]

I have a real need to make my own shooting board. I had originally intended to make it from High Density Fiberboard but you can no longer buy this in Australia. I want something that is more stable and durable then wood, or MDF or any wood byproduct.

I was thinking about perspex or some kind of plastic. I quick search says that these are shock and wear resistant. Can anyone recommend a suitable material that could be used for a shooting board, donkeys ear and alike?

A problem that I can think of is heat building up between the plane body and the running surface. Would plastic retain heat or dissipate it?

I would be interested in buying a sheet and have the components cut out for me then I would just assemble them.

Cheers



Thumbsucker

[kman-oz]

I have to ask, but what is it about wood that you might find not stable or not durable enough? Honestly, I made one from MDF some years back and it's been awesome. I just wax the running board before each use and away it goes.

Regarding plastics and perspex, in particular perpex, the friction heat will have the effect of distorting the material. It's a pretty good insulator as a rule too.

[Harry R]

TS
following our discussions last year, I've rigged up some rough and ready shooting boards (1x90o, 1x45o). I was in a hurry as I needed to make some picture frames etc I'd promised too long ago so they're not pretty but they work.

If I'd had more time I would have bought some low-friction UHMW plastics to make them: UHMW & Phenolic Sheets - Lee Valley Tools

I'd avoid perspex as it's a bastard of a thing to work with. It also has a fairly high friction surface.

[thumbsucker]

Wood is not dimensionally stable, while laminates & mdf go some way to overcome this, they are not ideal. This is why I am looking at my options.

Harry the Phenolic sheet looks like a good choice, it seems to be power tool jig material of choice and it can be worked with woodworking tools, its now a question of suppliers.

I will send an email to leevally to ask if they can supply different sizes. But a local supplier might be more cost effective due to postage weight.

http://www.slickstrips.com/UHMW_PTFE...AT0-500X48X120 sells a 12 mm x 1200 x 3000 mm sheet for $590.40, if I was a business it would be a good investment, but is far to much for my simple needs.

[derekcohen]

TS

Solid hardwood is stable if dry. Use an adjustable fence for extra reliability.

I have made them with MDF, Ply, Jarrah ... all work well.







Shooting boards can range from the simple - quick-and-dirty - to the complex. They are just tools. Decide how much time and effort you wish to use.

Bunch of articles on this page: Shop Made Tools

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Master Splinter]

A possible source for a phenolic board is your local electrical wholesaler - switchboard backer panel is what to ask for (its that sheet that the breakers and so on get mounted on).

I've picked up a few broken/incorrectly cut ones from the local tip, but I don't think the new price will give you sticker shock!

[Woodlee]

Same with UHMW standby for a big hit in the wallet .Last time I priced some for a couple of sliding fences for my router table fence ,I had to go to the Darwin hospital for an ECG .
I made my board from 18mm MDF with a laminated surface , I keep it waxed ,apart from a few scratches here and there its been ok .

Kev.

[Woodwould]

Wood is not dimensionally stable [...]

Do you think the wood you intend planing will be any more stable? Even if you cut your mitres in a CNC mill, they will open and close with changes in the weather.

Shooting boards have been made of wood for centuries with excellent results. My shooting boards are made from MDF, sealed with shellac and waxed occasionaly to keep the slides slippery.

[DavidB]

Formica or Laminex makes a very good wear surface for fences and shooting boards, but turn it over and use what is normally the glueing surface. It is a hard wearing low friction surface that comes for free with a bit of scrounging.