Construction Software

Posts Tagged ‘woodworking’

Although it may not be as glamorous or as steeped in woodworking tradition as solid lumber, plywood offers several advantages to the cabinetmaker. First, it comes in a wide range of standard thicknesses and sizes. Second, it is dimensionally stable and is unlikely to warp or show signs of checking or splitting. Third, it is available with just about any commonly available veneer on its faces. And fourth, it is easy to cut. Indeed, plywood is a good choice for almost any design that does not involve intricate joinery such as dovetails.

Although veneer has a venerable history and plywood is a relatively modern development-first produced commercially in the mid-1800s-the two are closely related. Plywood, after all, is a layered wood material made from thin sheets, or plies, of veneer. Decorative plywood is often faced with matched veneers made from high-grade hardwoods such as cherry or walnut. The veneer used in construction-grade plywood is peeled on a rotary lathe from eight-foot-long logs of poplar, pine or Douglas-fir.

As shown opposite, both decorative and construction-grade plywood are manufactured with an odd number of plies, giving the sheet a balanced construction. Three plies are usually the minimum number. Beneath the face and back veneers of a typical sheet are layers known as crossbands. The grain of each crossband runs at right angles to that of adjacent plies to counter wood movement. The result is a warp-resistant board that is equally strong across both dimensions. Some plywoods are also available with reinforced cores.

As with solid lumber, plywood is available in both hardwood and softwood varieties, although the terms refer strictly to the face and back veneers. Hardwood plywood is a stable and cost efitctive alternative to solid wood, and is used in woodworking applications where appearance matters, such as for cabinets, drawer fronts and furniture. Softwood plywood is generally used for carcase construction, bookcases and shelving.

construction, bookcases and shelving. Not all plywoods are created alike. More than 70 wood species are used in its manufacture. Plywoods are grouped according to strength and durability. This author is an up and coming expert on crafts and DIY. You can download original TV stand plans and unique TV riser plan by going to woodworkingplans.tv; Or you can select from 14000 woodworking plans, make woodworking easier and more fun!