Replies

1. 
   nikkiwood | May 06, 2007 02:37am | #1

   I never heard of it before you brought it up, so I googled:

   http://interstateplastics.reachlocal.net/materials/detail.aspx?ID=starboard-SW1

   Is this what you're talking about?

   It sounds like a plastic product, and I don't think I would plane it unless I had carbide cutters.

   What do you have in mind for it?

   ********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

1. 
   Quickstep | May 06, 2007 05:36am | #4

   Yup, that's the stuff. I've used Azek for house trim. My application is boat related and Starboard is the better choice. It's much harder and denser than Azek. To my somewhat untrained eye, it's similar to the HDPE that's sold for making jigs.

   Maybe this is my excuse to get a Byrd Shelix cutterhead for my planer.....

1. 
   nikkiwood | May 06, 2007 08:38am | #6

   Since it seems to come in sheets -- like plywood -- why would you be planing it?********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

1. 
   Quickstep | May 06, 2007 02:53pm | #7

   It's curious to me that it only comes in sheets, since most of it's use (on boats) is in applications where it's cut into sizes closer to dimensional lumber. To answer your question, I need a piece that 7/8" thick and that's a size they don't make.

2. 
   kalman | May 08, 2007 04:36am | #9

   Starboard is not a very hard marerial like Avonite or Corian.  It cuts easily with a router, hand plane and certainly a planer. no need for carbide blades.  I have used it for  boat accessories, cup holders, tackle rigs, cutting boards, knife holders.etc..  It machines beautifully, holds screws and is impervious to the weather.  I don't know of an adheasive that works with it but I'msure one exists.

1. 
   nikkiwood | May 08, 2007 05:51am | #10

   Isn't there a plastic component in this stuff, and if so, wouldn't it dull HSS planer knives pretty quickly?********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

1. 
   kalman | May 12, 2007 02:11am | #11

   If so, I havn't noticed any difference in the performance of my planer.  Its not nearly as hard or brittle as corian,  It actually shaves well with a block plane

2. 
   edsea | May 13, 2007 12:30pm | #12

   I have also used it around boats/docks etc. great stuff.  3M 5200 or 4200 will work as an adhesive/sealant (wipe the surface first with something like acetone), however I typically use it in applications where just screwing it together (or to another surface/material) is sufficient.

2. 
   BruceS | May 06, 2007 03:28am | #2

   At $26.00 a bf.  Wow,  What are you building ?

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

3. 
   SawdustSteve | May 06, 2007 04:22am | #3

   My buddy uses some stuff called 'AZEK" (sp?). It's a white plastic that the local lumber yards (Long Island, NY) carry. There is a special glue for it. He uses his tablesaw with whatever blade he uses for wood. He has made some fancy moldings by routing it, again with standard carbide cutters. The only problem is 'static cling'. Someone suggested that he use an anti-static spray before cutting the stuff. He uses the 1.5' x 18 gauge nails in his air-powered nailer to hold stuff in place while the glue dries. You DO have to be careful that you don't nail too close to edges, as they are prone to blow-outs. If I remember correctly, price is somewhere near $130 for a 4x8 sheet of 1/2 " stuff. It also comes in 3/4". As a final thought, try the guys at 'Breaktime' as they probably use it quite often as window and door trim as you never need to paint it and it is waterproof.
   SawdustSteve

4. 
   levelwind | May 06, 2007 06:03am | #5

   StarBoard machines very much like wood.  It has been used in the marine industry to be a low maintenance trim material that will stand up to the salt water environment in external applications.  I'm not positive of its structural integrity, but I've used it for seat platforms and steps without any sort of failure due to repetitive loading over several years of service.  The only shortcoming that I have had to deal with is that there doesn't seem to be any kind of adhesive that will bond two starboard surfaces together with the kind of stick-um that we expect from wood glues and wood.  Stainless steel screws and pre-drilled holes seem to work pretty well when putting things together.  I think it's a great material for outdoor applications around water.  If it were less costly I would use it a lot more. 

5. 
   g_hepplewhite | May 07, 2007 04:46pm | #8

   Quickstep,

   Planing StarBoard should not be a problem except for the chips and static cling. I used to work for Hatteras Yachts and Grady White boats and it was common practice.

    

   Tom