Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Thanks to the collective wisdom on this sight I am nearing completion of my first TD. Many thanks!

I am to the point of putting on the final skin this week and am considering using the Poplar Wiggleboard (over a layer of masonite) sold at a local lumberyard. I was wondering how well this will hold up to nicks and the usual barrage of airborne particles that come with highway travel. I plan to put mucho coats of Man-O-War Spar Varnish on it.

Also, the stuff is so thin, it seems like using Titebond is going to soak through the wiggleboard? Any advice on both durability and adhesive type for this particular material?

Thanks again,
Tom

what is poplar wiggleboard?

Assuming that "wiggle board" is the same as bendy ply, I don't think I'd do it. It's just too flexible and will seem "mushy" when done. I know that Guy had done it on his and has always regretted it, and he's right...it's mushy. It's not that hard to bend a sheet of regular ply. Other opinions may vary. Doug

Yes, it is the bendy ply. The guys at the local lumber store just call it (poplar) wiggleboard.

Thanks for the feedback. Will avoid it then!

Tom

Definitely avoid it. Guy and Prem can tell you horror stories about it. Or search the forum...

Mike...

I was at Interstate Plywood in Memphis, the guy there tried to sell me some when I told him what I was building. He bent it to show me how it bent, and it cracked. Bending Birch is solid birch ply, but all the plys are orientated in the same direction. Never used it, but possibly an option.

dh wrote: Never used it, but possibly an option.

I think it's only an option if you plan on covering it with fiberglass and resin... or canvas, tightbond II and then paint. But bendyboard needs a membrane to protect it.

Mike...

Good to know Mike

I didn't look into it that much because nobody around here has the "Column" , just the "barrol" which wouldn't work for me, and I don't know what I would do with an entire lot of the stuff.

mikeschn wrote: ...But bendyboard needs a membrane to protect it.

Does it have to have a "cloth" membrane, or will epoxy be enough to protect it?

From what I've seen of it....it's just not strong enough. It still stays bendy, even in small unsupported areas. Personally, I don't think a layer of glass over it is going to help all that much. I think that was Guys treatment....and he's still not happy with it. Doug