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Hi

Excuse my ignorance, LMI sell 24" * 24" - Phenolic Faced Plywood in their Jig section.

What would this be used for ?

John

When I worked in a cabinet shop we used to use phenolic-faced plywood for its stability, any place where the plywood might tend to curve over time and where one side of the panel wouldn't be seen. Personally, I really liked the look of the phenolic laminate, but we always hid it. It's the brown stuff that's under the surface of formica, a cheaper version of basically the same kind of thermoplastic, but it's mottled dark brown by nature and so can't be colored or given a wood-grain appearance.

Woodcraft sell phenonlic faced plywood also. Theirs is green. I love the stuff. I use it anytime I need a slick surface on a jig that glue does not stick to. It's not cheap though, so I use it judiciously.

The LMI back/soundboard joining jig uses the brown stuff - same as the green stuff from Woodcraft, just a different color.

Dave F.

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Cambrian Guitars

"There goes Mister Tic-Tac out the back with some bric-brac from the knick-knack rack"

Hi - I did wonder what it could be used for, I am looking for a sound flat base for gluing backs and tops.

I suppose it also has endless possibilities if the sides are true.

I had contemplated using float glass at one stage.

John

Granite surface plates are the best for flat and stability . The phenolic is more for a slip surface . It is a resin impregnate product and has a high resitsance to abrasion .

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John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

Melamine covered chip board (shelving) is pretty good for lots of things like that. It's cheap, easy to get, glue doesn't stick to it, it's slick, and (Did I mention?) it's cheap. I use it for lots of gluing chores, including layups of veneer for purflings. It's also useful for secondary fences on table and band saws. The stuff I've had for several years is still as flat as it was when I bought it. You can scrape glue off, or use vinegar, or De-Glue Goo, and clean it right up.

I wouldn't use it for jigs, I don't think as it may not be stable enough for that. Maybe it could be used as a top layer over plywood. Never thought about that.

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Hi

Yes Melamine covered chipboard is an alternative, however there are claims that Phenolic Faced Ply holds it shape better.

I inquired about 600MM square pieces and was quoted about £25.00 - $45.00, the supplier also said that it is often used in the cabs of trucks for flooring - so finding a local coachbuilder may result in a regular supply of free off cuts.

John