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Lumber Core: Where excellent matching properties are needed, individual
strips of wood are edge-glued to form a solid
slab lumber core. Although slightly higher in cost, lumber core is often preferred
because edges can be shaped and
matched to finished surfaces without filling. Thicknesses normally range from 3/4”
to 1-1/8”, but may be specified thicker
for special uses.
Veneer Core:
Because of its moderate price and high strength, veneer core hardwood plywood is
first choice for many applications. Hardwood
plywood 1/2” or less is usually specified with veneer core. However, thicknesses
range from 1/8” to 3/4”. All plies are
less than 1/4”, ranging in odd numbers from 3 to 7 (depending upon thickness). Veneers
are bonded with water-resistant
resin adhesives.
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Medium Density Fiberboard: is manufactured from pressure cooked wood chips which
are broken down into fibers and combined with resin
and wax and pressed into panels. Because medium density fiberboard uses wood fibers,
the end product is solid–the
compressed fibers make it very dense. It can be machined or sanded to a smooth finish.
It is heavy, however, at about
96 pounds per 4' x 8' x 3/4" panel. It is typically almost twice as heavy as veneer
core plywood–and may warp
if not handled correctly.
Particle Board Core: Particleboard is constructed from wood particle rather
than processed fibers. The wood particles
are blended with resin and wax and pressed into panels.
It is firm and solid throughout and makes a good core for hardwood plywood, however, it will not machine and
sand as well as medium density fiberboard or veneer core. It is also
heavy at about 93 pounds per 4' x 8' x 3/4" panel.