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1/8 Lauan /PMF

PostPosted: Thu Sep 08, 2022 1:19 pm
by thatdarncat
Hi everyone,
Ive been a lurker for a while and have built a slide in camper and have some experience with lauan, but my newest project is a truck shell camper similar to a A.R.E. DCU ( construction style camper shell) I really like that double barn door access.
So my question is, would 1/8 lauan covered with 10oz harbor freight drop cloth PMF be adequate? Other than the doors I would use it to skin a frame of 2x2's, anyone have some experience with 1/8 lauan and pmf, Any lifiting of a lamination after the glue/canvas and paint hit it?
Thanks

Re: 1/8 Lauan /PMF

PostPosted: Thu Sep 08, 2022 3:54 pm
by swoody126
NO

luan plywood isn't waterproof

not only does it not like water it doesn't even play well with high humidity

in this old man's opinion too much labor would be invested to make any $aving$ worth it

sw

Re: 1/8 Lauan /PMF

PostPosted: Thu Sep 08, 2022 5:15 pm
by tony.latham
Someone once mentioned the stuff in a book:

The box stores sell thin generic plywood called luan (or lauan) that is produced in several Asian countries. The term typically refers to plywood that is 1/4” or less commonly, 1/8” thick. Historically it was made for interior door sheathing. It’s a mystery from one bunk to the next what the wood is, what glue was used, and how many internal voids it has. I can’t recommend such an unknown.

:frightened:

Tony

Re: 1/8 Lauan /PMF

PostPosted: Thu Sep 08, 2022 5:31 pm
by thatdarncat
Thanks too many negatives outweigh any positives.
I will get some 3/8 plywood and give it a good pmf coating :D

Re: 1/8 Lauan /PMF

PostPosted: Mon Oct 24, 2022 8:38 am
by KCStudly
Even plywood, especially thin plywood, has a chance to warp and flex. This is likely to be promoted by skinning only one side.

I would think that some form of framework would be needed to keep a door like this rigid enough to maintain a good straight sealing surface.

Re: 1/8 Lauan /PMF

PostPosted: Mon Oct 24, 2022 11:20 am
by twisted lines
KCStudly wrote:Even plywood, especially thin plywood, has a chance to warp and flex. This is likely to be promoted by skinning only one side.

I would think that some form of framework would be needed to keep a door like this rigid enough to maintain a good straight sealing surface.


Have a good foamy door build in mind you can share ?

Re: 1/8 Lauan /PMF

PostPosted: Mon Oct 24, 2022 11:28 am
by KCStudly
My foamie doors have cedar frames around the perimeter and window openings. 5 mm Okume marine ply inner skins and 2 plys of 6oz FG weave/epoxy resin outer skins. I did a floxed edge detail to harden the corner were the FG on the face of the door meets the FG on the perimeter edge, to keep crisper edge and make sure the laminate doesn't split open along the edge. If I find the time I can go back into my build thread and post links, just not convenient at the moment.

Re: 1/8 Lauan /PMF

PostPosted: Mon Oct 24, 2022 11:39 am
by twisted lines
KCStudly wrote:My foamie doors have cedar frames around the perimeter and window openings. 5 mm Okume marine ply inner skins and 2 plys of 6oz FG weave/epoxy resin. I did a floxed edge detail to harden the corner were the FG on the face of the door meets the FG on the perimeter edge, to keep crisper edge an make sure the laminate doesn't split open along the edge. If I find the time I can go back into my build thread and post links, just not convenient at the moment.


That’s a good description thank’s.