Replies

1. 
   GEide | Apr 14, 2008 04:10pm | #1

   Hi KENYPETE,

   The author of the article, Stuart Lipp, is working on a response for you. Stay tuned...

   Thanks,

   Gina
   FineWoodworking.com

2. 
   Stulofski | Apr 14, 2008 09:28pm | #2

   Kenypete- 

   Yes, plywood covered with formica would be just as effective as the phenolic plywood.  I have used that before too.  As for the pricing, I don't know, if you do a comparison, please let me know what it works out to be.  I don't think that you can buy plywood faced with formica, I called my supplier and they said that they never heard of it.  So I think that you might be talking about laying the formica up yourself, which is a whole process in itself.  If that is the case, for me the phenolic plywood is much better b/c I can buy it right off the shelf.  There is a cost of product vs. cost of time comparison to be made here.  I also think that you have to predrill/countersink formica, which is something you don't necessarily have to do with phenolic plywood (when using sheetrock screws for quick jigs & fixtures).  It probably is lighter too.  I like it, and use it almost everyday.  Give it a shot, pick up a piece and let me know what you think of it.

   Good Luck!

   Stuart Lipp

1. 
   BriMcG | Apr 20, 2008 08:28am | #3

   Hello Stuart, I bought a piece of the Phenolic after reading your article and plan on making my first cut tomorrow. The only thing that surprised me was the very thin phenolic layer. I had the idea that it would be a good 1/16" but this looks closer to 1/32" or even 1/64".  Got it from White Cap locally after purchasing online.

   Does that layer thickness sound right to you? Maybe you mentioned it in the article and I overlooked it.

   Thanks, Brian

   Edited 4/20/2008 1:29 am ET by BriMcG

1. 
   Stulofski | Apr 21, 2008 02:41pm | #4

   No that is the standard thickness on this plywood.  It is just a film.

1. 
   BriMcG | Apr 22, 2008 07:36am | #5

   Thanks Stuart,

   Cut it today for the first time for a piece for an outfeed table and a crosscut sled and am liking it so far.

   You were certainly right about some chipout. I didn't think to tape the cutline as I normally do with regular Birch ply or melamine but will in the future.

   Thanks for the article. I'm betting there are a ton of products out there not used widely or at all in the woodworking field that, I'm sure, many pros and hobbyists alike would like to know about in some depth as you did with phenolic ply.

   Thanks again,

   Brian

    

   P.S... I asked Gary Rogowski about it and he wasn't aware of the product...see what I mean?