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Ripped Plywood vs. Dimensional Lumber for Benchwork?
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<P>[quote user="jwwhite"]I'm trying to decide between using dimensional lumber vs. ripping plywood into laminated beams. Either 1 X 4 dimensional lumber or laminating ripped 1 X 3 x 1/2 plywood into 1 X 3 x 1 structural members. I'll be building an around-the-wall configuration with a nominal 2 foot depth. Can anyone share their experiences on one vs. the other from cost, ease-of-use, and strength perspectives? Thanks![/quote]</P> <P>I ripped 3/4 ply into 3.5" width for structure and covered with 1/2" ply decking for the two towns and the long shelf leadins on my layout. For the mountain areas, I used 3/4" decking over ripped ply framework. There is no sag and I could stand on the layout (if necessary).</P> <P>The ply is more dimensionally stable and actually ends up cheaper than 1x4 lumber. I used a cheap birch cabinet ply from HD; not the rough sheathing or decking plywood.</P> <P>The end results (as of Sunday) are shown in the following thread; with earlier work in the thread referred to in the first post in that thread.</P> <P><A href="/TRC/CS/forums/897748/ShowPost.aspx">http://www.trains.com/TRC/CS/forums/897748/ShowPost.aspx</A></P>
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