Arauco Ply

[sine143]

I notice Bill has a post on arauco plywood just a couple lines below this, however that post is locked.... so I cant contain my question there.

Both the plans and that post state that the arauco ply found at lowes is a decent substitute for BB, However, all lowes HW in my area (Raleigh NC), only carry 15/32 in ply (rather than 1/2 as stated in the plans). This doesnt seem like a significant difference, but I figured there is no harm in asking experienced members on the forum. Can I use this 15/32 in ply to sub for 1/2 in BB? Am I going to run into problems with the plans?

Thanks ahead of time.

[Brew]

That's the one.

[Scott Brochu]

That's the one.

Yup sure is.

[DJPhatman]

I notice Bill has a post on arauco plywood just a couple lines below this, however that post is locked.... so I cant contain my question there.

Both the plans and that post state that the arauco ply found at lowes is a decent substitute for BB, However, all lowes HW in my area (Raleigh NC), only carry 15/32 in ply (rather than 1/2 as stated in the plans). This doesnt seem like a significant difference, but I figured there is no harm in asking experienced members on the forum. Can I use this 15/32 in ply to sub for 1/2 in BB? Am I going to run into problems with the plans?

Thanks ahead of time.

As long as it has at least 5 equal plys, and no veneer outer-most ply. Lumber does not come in exact dimentions. 2X4 is actually 1.5X3.5. 1/2" plywood is actually 15/32". The important part is that it has multiple, equal thickness plys and no veneers or voids in the ply.

[Harley]

The important part is that it has multiple, equal thickness plys and no veneers or voids in the ply.

Arauco has voids.

[sine143]

it sure does, Blew out a chunk about the size of one of those egg shaped cover ups. Thankfully it was on a small piece and I was using eye protection.

Overall I'm satisfied with it. It warps after you cut, especially if you dont store it flat, but its no biggie.

[JoeVictim]

So I was thinking to myself last night as I entered Lowes, 1/3 the price, lighter than BB, void free... well void free it is not. I don't know if Lowes has cheapened the supplier but this had knots all in it. I was expecting smooth and silky. What I saw was rough and starchy. Where is the void free beauty that everyone else has been finding? I am mistaken or does this unicorn really exist? Would I be better off shelling out the extra dough for BB? Won't the voids affect the cab structurally?

Thanks for all the help.

[sine143]

It took a little searching to find good pieces (on the bottom side of the stack). Although I doubt its affected things already, The earthquake in chile might have an effect on the quality of the ply. I only had 1 void blow out in 2 tuba builds. I'm looking for a line on BB for my otops though.

[Greg Plouvier]

My 2 cents. I thought I'd give this arauco a shot recently. 1st off the Lowes I went to had the 15/32 and 19/32 prices reversed. Getting it corrected was turning into requiring an act of god so I just paid the xtra $4 for the 15/32. Even storing flat the stuff started warping like a potato chip. The voids aren't too bad but they are there. The finish is coarser than baltic. It is also very soft - a screw will suck down practically right thru the stuff. My thought is, if you're going to carpet your box it's probably ok if you're ready to deal with working with warped pieces. If you are determined to use it, can't get baltic or absolutely have to save some weight it is acceptable. I'm sticking to baltic. Same price per sheet,(for me anyway) a little more per square foot.

[bzb]

It took a little searching to find good pieces (on the bottom side of the stack). Although I doubt its affected things already, The earthquake in chile might have an effect on the quality of the ply. I only had 1 void blow out in 2 tuba builds. I'm looking for a line on BB for my otops though.

If all else fails, you can make the 3 hour or so trek down here to North Atlanta and stop by Suwanee Lumber. They have stacks and stacks of BB for $19.50 for the 1/2" sheets.

Hell, if it's on a Friday, you could even stop by here afterward and make a bit of sawdust in my garage.

I doubt you'll have any issue finding BB in the area, though. I could have sworn I saw a couple when I was in Greensboro last time.

Edit: woops, I was thinking Charlotte. RDU is another 3 hours past that.

[sine143]

hahaha, Its a little more than 3 hours from raleigh to atlanta... although 19.50 for the 1/2 inch is a killer deal!

[Scott Brochu]

They have stacks and stacks of BB for $19.50 for the 1/2" sheets.

Got to be kidding???
It's like 58.00 a sheet up here, so Lowes plywood look pretty good unless a costumer specifically wants BB.

[bzb]

It varies, $19.50 is the cheapest I've gotten it, $22 is highest. 3/4" is around $35. They carry something like 30 different types of plywood. Their lumber sheet is 4 pages.

Poplar boards are $0.84/BF. Full extension 100# drawer slides for $3-$8. Stain and wood filler for around $5 for a pint. It's an awesome place.

http://www.suwaneelumber.com/

The place I drove to in SC is worth it for the 2 hour drive - we're talking beautiful, premium walnut boards for like $3/BF. Suwanee Lumber wants around $5 for it. Not much in the ways of plywood at this shop, though.

http://lumbersourcing.com/

[sine143]

hmmm. That place in SC looks promising. Might have to make a trip there if I ever start my through neck bass project. I'm looking for a good line on walnut....

[JoeVictim]

So what I'm hearing is arauco ply isn't the best option, BB if I want to have a cab that lasts. This will be the last cab I ever own...until I build a second one atleast.