stevecater

I have to agree with srtu3456. Solid Cherry selects in my area costs <$4/bf while 3/4 flat sawn cherry ply runs $150/sheet and at 32ft² per sheet that's $4.70/bf. As such selection one in the vote box seems contrary to reality.

I have no issue using ply if the one can not (without advanced knowledge) discern if it's solid or ply. That speaks to the quality of the ply and dealing with the edges in a way that they become invisible. Simply edge banding a slab of ply and calling it a door screams IKEA not FWW.

michael2160 echos my sentiments. I say the same thing about hardware, finishing etc. If cabinet makers of centuries past had advances available to them such as concealed full extension slides with motion stops, catalyzed lacquer finishes, sandpaper etc etc they most certainly would have used them, ditto for plywoods.

Interesting idea. I would be curious to find out what the product was as well. I was also curious Mark as to why the recent article in the magazine doesn't include products like D-Dur post cat urethane or Euro-X from ML Campbell? These are 'professional' options for exterior clear film finishes and it would have been much more interesting for many of us if these or competitive alternatives were tested along with the typical spar varnish and such?

FWIW, a 7 coat schedule may work for a smaller project like this bench but my current task involves an entire (large) exterior porch and railing system where it would not be practial. D-DUR and the like are spray applied and much more friendly to time in that regard.

The subject or what works and what doesn't for exterior finishes has been around the horn many times over at Woodweb with no real concensus other than nothing lasts in the elements. To me it seems like an opportunity to shed some light on what seems a very gray area and the article only scratches the surface by missing some readily available coatings, possibly including the pigment free paint base idea! An update to this would be a great idea for next year!