A couple of weeks ago, I started building 4 base cabinets for the workshop. Because these were “utility” cabinets and not kitchen cabinets, I decided to buy inexpensive (read cheap) “cabinet grade” 3/4” 18mm plywood from our local DIY box store. After I had ripped everything to size, the 3/4” plywood begin to warp and curl like a can of Pringles. Every part I cut with the excpetion of one, was warped, bent, curled, and one entire 6” x 24” x 3/4” piece came completely delaminated after I ripped it to size!)
Only after I experienced this, did I jump on here and investigate the quality issues other have experienced. Now I know there are other blogs on LJ about cheap china ply, but I just have to vent somewhere!
Anyone want a shop full of “cabinet grade” ply for free?
-- Shane, Askov, Minnesota























8 comments so far
grovemadman
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528 posts in 160 days
posted 104 days ago
Shane, this will sound crazy but try craiglist under services/materials. A lot of times contractors tear out old cabinets to install new ones. With a little TLC you can usually make some old ones fit in your space and refinish them to your liking. Often there will be some screw ups/or change order that a contractor suddenly can’t use and wants to sell for cheap and they are brand new. As far as cheap plywood goes what happened to you could be a number of reasons. I know one thing for sure is, it’s Gods will and our handiwork which determines how a project will turn out – we just have to learn or be reminded of acceptance and move on to the next project he has waiting for us!
Peace and thy will be done…
-- --Chuck
Peter O
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624 posts in 263 days
posted 104 days ago
Shane – if they are just for the shop, you might try to force the pieces flat and assemble the cases with plenty of screws. You might be surprised how close to square they are when you’re done.
-- What exactly is "The Move" and who are you calling a "Quirky Jerk"? -- http://www.north40custom.com
Tom Adamski
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175 posts in 159 days
posted 104 days ago
Shane…
I bought 6 sheets of 1/2 ply from HD last year and half did the same thing… I took them back. And yes, they gave me all my money back even after cutting up 3 into panels. Remember, the squeeky wheel gets the grease.
Tom
-- Anybody can become a woodworker, but only a Craftsman can hide his mistakes.
Paul M
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28 posts in 108 days
posted 104 days ago
Shane- I have used a fair amount of this stuff for general use and gree with Peter O. The mystery to me is how a multi-ply can warp and curl more than a solid board. Another mystery is how a panel made in China, put in a container, shipped to the west coat, then shipped to the east coast can sell for under $30??
Sounds like “dumping” to me.
Do have a general rule for “Specials” is that the farther it comes from the worse it is.
Canada= pretty good
Brazil= fair
China=junk
-- Paul from New England "No man is a failure who is enjoying life". William Feather
Dick Cain
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4290 posts in 687 days
posted 103 days ago
I sounds to me like it got wet on its ocean trip.
-- Dick Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1
brunob
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1115 posts in 557 days
posted 103 days ago
I think the operative words here are “real cheap”. As useual, we get what we pay for. ut, I still try for the bargin!
-- Bruce from Central New York
pastor_shane
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24 posts in 211 days
posted 103 days ago
Thanks for the advice Peter! about half a bottle of glue and a couple handful of scews is all it took to square up the carcasses. I’ll post some pictures as soon as I get the casters mounted.
-- Shane, Askov, Minnesota
rikkor
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6455 posts in 263 days
posted 102 days ago
I am glad you were able to salvage the project. Good heads-up on the cheap plywood, too, as I am going to build some cabinet/shelves later this spring.
-- Maplewood, MN