Sheathed OSB as plywood substitute

Discussion in 'Fiberglass and Composite Boat Building' started by DogCavalry, Nov 30, 2020.

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  1. DogCavalry
    Joined: Sep 2019
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    DogCavalry Senior Member

    There's no large plywood to be had right now. I'm considering using OSB as a substitute, and epoxy glassing the upper and lower surfaces. Anyone ever do this?
     
    DogCavalry, Nov 30, 2020
    #1
  2. fallguy
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    fallguy Senior Member

    :eek::eek::eek::(:mad::confused:

    glass up a 4x8 panel and jump on it; you'll have the answer
     
    fallguy, Nov 30, 2020
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  3. Will Gilmore
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    Will Gilmore Senior Member

    The manufactures of OSB claim all the same properties of plywood, but my expriencing is that it is heavier and hard on the hands. Joints are hard to cut accurately and thinner sheets are not availible. I would be willing to drive quite a ways to get some decent plywood for building something like a boat.
     
    Will Gilmore, Nov 30, 2020
    #3
  4. Blueknarr
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    Blueknarr Senior Member

    Might have some similarity to exterior plywood,,,but not to marine grade. Do a boil/freeze test
     
    Blueknarr, Nov 30, 2020
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  5. DogCavalry
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    DogCavalry Senior Member

    Yes, that was my concern. Heavier, not as water resistant. Completely mummified in epoxy, theoretically ok. But there's always a penetration somewhere...

    With COVID-19, there's no place I can drive to that has 10'. It's gone, and the plants won't be making more until next spring at the earliest.
     
    DogCavalry, Nov 30, 2020
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  6. Mr Efficiency
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    Mr Efficiency Senior Member

    Is the glue waterproof ?
     
    Mr Efficiency, Nov 30, 2020
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  7. gonzo
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    gonzo Senior Member

    OSB is made in 4x8 ft sizes. If you need 10 ft it is easy to scarf plywood.
     
    gonzo, Nov 30, 2020
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  8. DogCavalry
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    DogCavalry Senior Member

    I can get a 10' by 17' piece of osb from one of my suppliers. They make Structural Insulated Panels, SIPs for us. That's the whole roof in one piece. But you're right. Scarfing is on. I felt time pressure and wanted to get 5 by 10's.
     
    DogCavalry, Nov 30, 2020
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  9. ondarvr
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    ondarvr Senior Member

    The owner of an OSB manufacturer had a high end boat made with it....just because he could.

    The pics were posted here years ago. A quick Google search should find it.
     
    Last edited: Nov 30, 2020
    ondarvr, Nov 30, 2020
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  10. ondarvr
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    ondarvr Senior Member

    ondarvr, Nov 30, 2020
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  11. DogCavalry
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    DogCavalry Senior Member

    DogCavalry, Nov 30, 2020
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  12. fallguy
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    fallguy Senior Member

    Epoxy fixes much
     
    fallguy, Nov 30, 2020
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  13. Will Gilmore
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    Will Gilmore Senior Member

    "All I need is some epoxy and a can of paint and I can make any carpenter look good." To quote my father.

    -Will (Dragonfly)
     
    Will Gilmore, Dec 1, 2020
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  14. gonzo
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    gonzo Senior Member

    It doesn't take much time to scarf plywood. All you need is a power planer.
     
    gonzo, Dec 1, 2020
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  16. DogCavalry
    Joined: Sep 2019
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    DogCavalry Senior Member

    Just as an aside, I built my shelter out of basic Canadian OSB about 3 months ago. Lots of offcuts laying in puddles since then. Completely usable. Apparently Canadian exterior grade osb is on another level.
    Still too dense, though. Not strong enough for the weight.
     
    DogCavalry, Dec 29, 2020
    #15
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