Hi folks
Having just finished a tall project using top coat maple veneer core plywood, and struggling with the bow in the stuff, I am considering trying a new product being pushed aggressively by a salesman for a different supplier.
It’s called “Performance Core”, which may be a manufacturer’s nomenclature as opposed to a generic term like MDF. This specific manufacture is Longlac Industries.
What it is, is an advanced OSB core with domestic hardwood veneers, either prefinished or not. It claims to be superior to veneer core in flatness, thickness tolerance, screw holding ability in both edge and face, and is considerably lighter in weight than veneered MDF panels.
Knowing the day and night difference between Advantec sheathing as compared with the old Aspenite, or standard OSB sheathing, it seems as though OSB technology has come a long way…..has it come far enough to warrant its use in cabinetry?
Anyone with any experience working with this stuff? It’s probably too new to generate any worthwhile durability feedback, but how about working characteristics?
Thanks in advance.
Replies
"It claims to be superior to veneer core in flatness, thickness tolerance, screw holding ability in both edge and face...."
I'd take all that with a grain of salt. Then I'd ask the salesman a few questions. Like: what veneer core in particular is this product flatter than. And, why? Some plywoods are very flat. Baltic birch usually falls into that category, but not always. Then again, sometimes lesser grade plywoods stay flat. I've had $100+ sheets of maple veneer stuff look like a boat and be unusable. Other sheets of ply do great. It seems like its the manufacturing process and not the product, to me. Again, with the screw holding...... what sort of veneer plywood is he referring to. Certainly not something like baltic birch or marine ply. Either of those have no voids. OSB couldn't hold screws better than those, I'd think. Or maybe they've got something magic going on.
Is the veneer right up against the osb core? I've never heard of osb being that flat. But again, "Do you believe in magic....?"
Bottom line: you are probably going to have to try it to find out. Or, at least purchase a sheet and have it sit in your shop for a spell.... see what happens to it. Then return it if need be.
I agree with Sap.. I have spent well over $150.00 for a sheet of 4x8 ply that curled up someplace. Looked flat when I bought it. NO... I do not blame my hardwood supplier. Just how wood is. Does it's own thing when IT feels like doing it!
A bummer anyway. And I have bought what looked less than perfect stuff and stayed flat? What is the secret when selecting ply?
Hey guys
Thanks for the replies.
I wish I knew the secret to consistently obtaining flat plywood......in reality, I order over the phone, the truck comes on Thursday, and the sheet goods come off the truck and directly into the shop rack. Unless there is a real obvious problem, I live and work with what I get. If I have to send something back, it's a week's wait to get its replacement, which is usually a real PIA.
It would be no different with the new supplier who wants me to buy this Performance Core.
He did bring me a sample a while back - maybe 8 x 8, and I tortured pieces of it in various ways, with no problems noted - screws, glue, soaking in water, etc.
FYI, yes, the veneer is applied directly to the OSB core - no telegraphing through the veneer on the sample. The same manufacturer also makes a product called "Multi Core" which appears to be OSB core sandwiched between top and bottom laters of either core veneer or MDF and then face veneered. Its specs don't match up to the Performance Core, but still exceed veneer core, at least so they claim. Especially the flatness.
Yes, I'm somewhat skeptical, hence this fishing expedition for others with hands on experience. I have encountered factory veneered MDF when doing retrofits, and it seems to be holding up well in the applications encountered - column sheathing and desk/countertops. It is ~30% heavier than veneer core, though, which is only one strike against it, IMO. Performance Core claims to be ~14% heavier than veneer core.
I have to assume that the veneer core they compare to is their own: if they are in the business of making sheet goods, one assumes that they make the full gamut.
So the search for reliably flat, durable, "handleable" and handsome (and affordable)sheet goods continues. I'll post if and when I ever use the stuff, and what I think of it.
Meanwhile I'm still open to feedback from anyone with experience with similar alternatives to traditional cabinet sheetgoods.
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