Replies

1. 
   jackplane | Apr 14, 2004 06:16pm | #1

   If they're paint-grade, then just use prime them well with a good primer.After sanding, roll or spray a couple good finish coats. It's easy to cover the open pores of  this mahogany ply with paint, compared to using a clearcoat finish. The paint has more body which'll give a smoother finish.

2. 
   RoyinMD | Apr 14, 2004 07:51pm | #2

   I used HD 3/4" Sandply last summer to build two new shop wall cabinets. After a thin quick coat of latex primer I used thinned drywall compound to fill in the open pores. A quick sanding and two coats of latex paint and they came out smooth as glass. One fumble along the way. I was not carefull enough moving one of the cut down sheets and the veneer peeled away from the end grain very easily (Too easily IMHO). I found a few spots of weak adhesion and soft spots of the veneer. It cut great, minimal splintering, with the skillsaw (60 tooth Oldman blade) and the table saw (50 tooth combination).

   For $36 a sheet I expected alittle better quality.

   Enjoy, Roy

1. 
   Fingrs | Apr 14, 2004 09:15pm | #3

   Thank you for the suggestions.  I too have noticed the veneer peels off at the ends, but I'll have to work around that I guess.  Birch remains my favorite, but I thought I'd try to save a couple of $$.  And we all know how that goes...

1. 
   Robbie | Apr 15, 2004 07:57am | #4

   Ignorance here... what is sandply?

1. 
   Fingrs | Apr 15, 2004 03:57pm | #5

   Good question, Robbie.   I found it at Home Depot.  3/4" thick (actually a little less) with a clear white wood veneer.  The veneer is open grained, and one side is slightly smoother than the other.  I don't know what wood the veneer is made from.  Seems to have the same number of plys as standard plywood, with some voids. 

   Cost about $32 (US) per sheet, versus $39 for birch.  Now you know as much as I do.

1. 
   Robbie | Apr 15, 2004 05:19pm | #6

   Lofton:  Thanks much for the info... Sandply, hmm.  Out here in Chicago, a good hardwood vendor (Owl hardwood) shop has Grade 2 / Shop grade ply that is discounted considerably below the price of A1 birch or cherry.  I don't know if it is as low as $32, but will look the next time I am there.  Is that a possibility for you out there?  Looked at your profile and saw you are near my old home town of Philly.